Ruling party MP slams opposition for “storm in a teacup” over election observers

Beka Davituliani, an MP from the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Thursday slammed the United National Movement party for “creating a storm in a teacup” after the latter called for the country’s Foreign Ministry to formally request observers from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe for the parliamentary elections in the country later this year.

The lawmaker stressed observers would be present for the vote “in accordance with relevant regulations”, after UNM’s request for the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights to be invited.

He further noted “[a]ll observer missions are expected to monitor the elections, which are expected to be conducted efficiently and surpass previous standards”. 

Davituliani stressed the introduction of electronic voting for the race, which will be held through fully proportional elections for the first time in the country, would “significantly reduce” risk of vote-rigging. 

He also claimed the observers would “recognise the outcome [of the voting] that will be positive” for the ruling power.