Not So Merry Georgian Elections: European Parliamentarians Speak Out
Ah, Georgia! The land of stunning landscapes, rich history, and… electoral shenanigans? Yes, indeed! On October 26, the parliamentary elections took place, and let’s just say, the results raised more eyebrows than a magician at a children’s party. A gaggle of leading parliamentarians from various European countries and Canada came together, probably over a disappointing cup of coffee, to declare that these elections were neither free nor fair. They assert that the European Union should *not* recognize the results and, wait for it—impose personal sanctions! Talk about your political drama!
Source: “European truth”
A “Not So Secret” Statement
Signatories of the statement included the heads of foreign and European affairs committees from Germany, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Ireland, Ukraine, Poland, Canada, alongside a Swedish vice-speaker and an MEP who probably didn’t even want to be dragged into this. It’s like the woody “Avengers” of parliamentarians convening, shaking their heads at electoral misconduct. They made it very clear that the political climate in Georgia leading up to the elections failed to meet even the shoddiest European standards of integrity.
Apparently, candidates were subjected to intimidation, government power was thrown around like confetti, and votes were bought! Yes, you heard that right—voting day turned out to be less about the democratic process and more like a questionable auction. Clearly, international election observation missions had a field day, confirming significant election fraud. Honestly, I bet they were fighting over who got the biggest slice of the pie when it comes to the reports.
Who’s the Real ‘Global War Party’? Spoiler Alert: It’s Not Georgia
Then there was the spicy bit where the parliamentarians began pointing fingers—mostly at Russia. They claimed, “There is only one ‘global war party,’ and you must call it by name.” If you’re a fan of political intrigue and a touch of satire, that’s the kind of sentence that makes you lean in closer. Spoiler: it’s Russia! Who knew? It’s like saying Voldemort when you love a good Harry Potter reference. But in a serious turn, they demanded personal sanctions against those they believed were responsible for the unfair influence on elections, which seems perfectly reasonable… unless you happen to be those individuals.
Don’t Forget the Good Folks of Georgia
Now, lest we sweep all Georgians under the same unflattering rug of governmental failure, the parliamentarians were quick to highlight the importance of not penalizing the pro-European part of society. They rejected the idea of collective punishment, which is refreshing. It’s often a cliché in politics to paint everyone with the same brush, but perhaps today we can give them a round of applause. They emphasized avoiding the “Belarusization” of Georgia, cautioning about potential persecution of the opposition, independent media, and NGOs. It was like watching a political seesaw—one side saying “Don’t overlook our allies” while the other teetered dangerously close to authoritarian tendencies.
Looking Ahead: The Resonating Call for Change
Support was also voiced for President Salome Zurabishvili, who’s presumably doing her best to unite the country amidst this electoral circus. In summary, as the Central Election Commission announced that the ruling party, Georgian Dream, garnered over 54% of the votes, the opposition fired back, waving the flag of massive violations. Spoiler alert: they haven’t recognized the results, and neither have many observers.
To wrap up this political rollercoaster ride, Georgia stands at a crossroads, where the aspiration for a European future collides with the allegations of corruption and intimidation. It seems like everyone’s watching, and the stakes keep rising. So, here’s hoping that this election blunder doesn’t turn into a long-running soap opera with more twists and turns than a Georgia mountain road!
Leading parliamentarians from European countries, as well as Canada, issued a statement in which they noted that the parliamentary elections in Georgia on October 26 were neither free nor fair, and therefore the European Union should not recognize their result and should impose personal sanctions.
Source: “European truth” with reference to the statement
Details: The statement was signed by the chairmen of the committees on foreign and European affairs of Germany, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Ireland, Ukraine, Poland, Canada, as well as the vice-speaker of the Swedish parliament and one MEP.
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Leading parliamentarians from these states said that the political climate in Georgia on the eve of the elections was incompatible with European standards of integrity.
“Candidates were intimidated and threatened, government power was abused, votes were bought. Reports from international election observation missions clearly confirm this. Thus, there is significant election fraud, including due to intimidation and bribery of voters on voting day,” the statement said. .
The parliamentarians noted that the Georgian Dream policy is incompatible with the EU, and the treacherous campaign of fear of the “global war party” has fallen on fertile ground.
“There is only one ‘global war party’ and you must call it by name. Its name is Russia. Against this backdrop, the European Union cannot accept the result. We demand personal sanctions against those responsible for unfair influence on elections, intimidation and threats addressed to the opposition and civil society,” the MEPs said.
At the same time, they emphasized that there is no need to abandon the pro-European part of society now. They rejected such a collective punishment of all Georgians as the suspension of visa liberalization
“We are very concerned about the “Belarusization” of the country. If the ruling party and its leader back up their statements with actions, there is a threat of persecution and banning of the opposition, independent media and critical non-governmental organizations. The EU must make it clear to the ruling party that it will not agree with this, and in this case there will be a complete severance of relations,” the statement said.
The deputies said they continue to strongly support President Salome Zurabishvili’s efforts to unite the country, protect democracy, freedom and the rule of law, and preserve and secure Georgia’s European future.
As reported, Zurabishvili will make the first statement following the parliamentary elections.
Background:
- After counting almost all the ballots, the Georgian Central Election Commission announced that the ruling party was the Georgian Dream. received more than 54% of the votes.
- Opposition pro-European parties do not share the results published by the Central Election Commission and point to massive violations. Opposition forces did not recognize the preliminary election results.
- According to international observers, the elections in Georgia were marred by deep polarization, as well as extremely controversial election rhetoric and numerous reports of pressure on voters.
