– The election was spoiled by uneven competition, pressure and tension, says a joint statement from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the Council of Europe, the EU Parliament and NATO.
The statement expresses concern about the credibility of the election results, which went in favor of the incumbent ruling party. The party won with over 54 percent of the vote, according to the country’s election commission, but the opposition in Georgia believes the result was falsified.
Election observers from the OSCE called the election campaign divisive, and have several concerns related to the conduct of the election.
Threats
The concerns include observations of vote buying, double voting and physical assaults and threats against voters inside and outside the polling stations.
– We express deep concern about the democratic backsliding in Georgia. The conduct of yesterday’s election was unfortunately proof of that, say the EU Parliament’s observers.
The joint statement said that while the election was generally well organized, it was characterized by a tense environment.
– The uneven competition undermines confidence in the result, says the statement.
Returning to Russia
The election result sets the stage for a political showdown that experts believe could lead Georgia away from its EU ambitions.
The country is a candidate country for the EU, but the union has warned that the outcome of the election may determine whether Georgia can become a member state or not.
When they came to power in 2012, the ruling Georgian Dream party had a liberal provost political agenda, but the party has turned more towards Russia in the past two years.
Earlier this year, mass protests erupted in Georgia over what the opposition saw as the government’s attempts to limit democracy and steer the country in a more pro-Russian direction.
#election #Georgia #evidence #democratic #backsliding #observers
**Interview with Election Observer Dr. Maria Petrov**
**Interviewer:** Dr. Petrov, thank you for joining us. The recent elections in Georgia have drawn significant criticism from international observers, particularly regarding issues of competition and allegations of vote manipulation. Can you elaborate on the main concerns that were highlighted in your joint statement?
**Dr. Petrov:** Certainly. Our observations indicated that the elections were marred by several critical issues. Firstly, the environment was anything but conducive to fair competition. We noted instances of vote buying, double voting, and even physical threats directed at voters. The atmosphere was tense, which undoubtedly undermined the credibility of the electoral process.
**Interviewer:** The ruling party, Georgian Dream, won over 54 percent of the vote according to the official count. Yet, the opposition claims these results were falsified. What are your views on the integrity of the election results given the atmosphere you described?
**Dr. Petrov:** The issues we observed raise significant doubts about the integrity of the results. While the election was generally organized, the uneven competition and environments of intimidation cast a long shadow over the outcomes. Confidence in the electoral results is essential for any democracy, and our findings suggest that this has been severely compromised in Georgia.
**Interviewer:** With Georgia’s aspirations to join the EU at stake, how do you see the implications of this election outcome on the country’s future?
**Dr. Petrov:** This election could be pivotal. If the perception of undemocratic practices continues, it may distance Georgia from its EU ambitions. The EU has made it clear that the integrity of their democratic processes will influence their membership prospects. The shift towards a more pro-Russian stance by the ruling party is also concerning for many, including EU officials.
**Interviewer:** You mention the potential distancing from EU aspirations. Do you think there is a risk that such political dynamics could push Georgia back under Russia’s sphere of influence?
**Dr. Petrov:** Absolutely. If the Georgian government continues to align itself with Russian interests rather than pursuing European integration, it could signify a worrying trend for the country’s political future. The protests earlier this year underscored a palpable dissatisfaction among the populace. This discontent could either galvanize further resistance or lead to greater fragmentation within Georgia.
**Interviewer:** reading through all these concerns, how do you think the international community should respond to ensure that democratic values are respected in Georgia?
**Dr. Petrov:** The international community must be vigilant and proactive. Increased dialogue with Georgian stakeholders, along with pressure to uphold democratic norms, can serve as vital tools. Additionally, strong support for civil society and independent media can help hold the government accountable and preserve voter rights.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Petrov. This conversation prompts an important question for our readers: How should the international community balance support for Georgia’s sovereignty with concerns over its democratic backsliding? What are your thoughts?
A shift towards a more pro-Russian stance by the ruling party. How do you think this change in direction has impacted public sentiment in Georgia?
**Dr. Petrov:** The public sentiment is quite polarized. Many Georgians are concerned about the implications of closer ties with Russia, especially given the historical context of conflict between the two nations. Earlier this year, we witnessed mass protests against government actions perceived to be limiting democracy and promoting pro-Russian policies. This indicates a strong desire among a significant portion of the population to maintain a European trajectory for Georgia, both politically and socially.
**Interviewer:** What steps do you believe can be taken to restore confidence in the electoral process moving forward?
**Dr. Petrov:** Restoring confidence will require comprehensive electoral reforms, including enhancing transparency, protecting voter rights, and ensuring that electoral competition is genuinely fair and open. Furthermore, engagement from international partners, as well as accountability for any misconduct observed during elections, will be crucial in rebuilding trust in the democratic processes in Georgia.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Petrov, for your insights into this pressing issue. It seems clear that the path forward for Georgia will require careful navigation in the context of both internal and external pressures.
**Dr. Petrov:** Thank you for having me. It’s vital for the global community to pay attention to Georgia’s situation; it could have broader implications for democracy in the region.
