MEP claims ODIHR “under influence of regimes not interested in free, fair” elections

Miriam Lexmann, a member of the European Parliament, on Tuesday claimed the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe was “under the influence of regimes” that were “not interested in free and fair” elections, in her comments over the parliamentary elections in Georgia  last month.

In her remarks, Lexmann noted it was “important” for the international community that the Georgian authorities make public  details regarding  allegations of electoral fraud in the vote.

Unfortunately, we know that ODIHR is under the influence of regimes that are not interested in free and fair elections. Therefore, we must find a way of investigation that will be free from the influence of these regimes and that will bring fair results, and if it is proven that these elections were rigged, then we must think about the consequences”, the MEP said.

She further claimed that there was “all kinds of evidence” that the elections in Georgia had “not been free and fair”.

Now it is important for the international community to get to the bottom of the details. To force the Georgian Government to make the details public. Until then, it is absolutely impossible for us to recognise the results of these elections”, she continued.

The MEP further added it was “important to sanction a few individuals” who were “responsible for these electoral frauds“.

The newly elected Georgian Parliament on Monday recognised the powers of all elected 150 MPs, with 88 votes in favour of the decision.