“This is a pivotal moment for Georgia,” stated three members of the European Parliament in their recent statement.
The authors of the statement include hair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs David McAllister, the Chair of the Delegation for relations with the South Caucasus Nils Ušakovs and the Chair of the Delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly Sergey Lagodinsky.
The statement expresses hope that the post-election period will be peaceful and democratic, emphasizing the need for immediate steps to return Georgia to its path toward EU integration.
“On Saturday 26 October, Georgia held parliamentary elections following a highly polarised and tense election campaign and among concerns about the country’s democratic backsliding.
Georgian people have once again showed their engagement and commitment to democracy, not only by using their right to vote in large numbers but also by active participation in observing these elections and reporting irregularities.
According to the preliminary findings and conclusions of OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) International Election Observation Mission, which included the European Parliament election observation delegation, these elections were marred by reports of pressure on voters, uneven playing field, polarized media environment and political instrumentalization. Among irregularities reported by international observers, there were incidents of violence, vote buying, double-voting, media and observers’ removal, intimidation of voters inside and outside the voting stations. All reported violations must be investigated and addressed under the appropriate complaints and appeals procedures without due delay.
This is a pivotal moment for Georgia. These were the first elections since the country was granted EU candidacy status in 2023, a process de facto halted following the adoption of the Foreign Agents Law. Georgian people have continuously demonstrated that they want democratic Georgia in the European Union.
We hope that the aftermath of the elections will be peaceful and democratic and that immediate steps will be taken to bring Georgia back on the EU path, fulfilling the aspirations of Georgians. We will continue closely monitoring developments in Georgia and supporting efforts aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring free and fair elections, rule of law, and advancing human rights. We stand ready to assist Georgia as it navigates this critical period and works to secure a democratic and prosperous future for all its citizens,” the MEPs stated.
