International observers denounce irregularities in the elections in Georgia

They warn of pressure and fear of reprisals among the population

Oct. 27 () –

The International Mission of Electoral Observers has confirmed irregularities that could have affected the result of the legislative elections held this Saturday in Georgia, in which the opposition denounces fraud in favor of the ruling party, Georgian Dream, considered pro-Russian.

Although the parties that have participated in the electoral process “have generally been able to campaign freely,” “there have continued to be reports of pressure on voters, particularly on public sector workers,” according to the mission’s preliminary report, which includes the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Council of Europe and the Parliamentary Assembly of NATO.

This situation and the information about “voter monitoring” on voting day “raises doubts about the ability of some voters to vote without fear of reprisals.”

The observation mission also warns of a “bitter polarization” and doubts about “the recently approved legislation and its impact on fundamental freedoms and civil society.” The document recognizes that the current regulations “provide an adequate basis for democratic elections”, but “the frequent recent amendments represent a step backwards and could be used to achieve political benefits.”

The text of the report questions the perception of impartiality of the electoral authorities due to the latest legislative changes that “provide the ruling party with control over the selection and nomination process of members of the Central Electoral Commission” (CEC) and warns of the elimination of the position of vice president of the CEC, a position controlled by the opposition.

The mission points to “a significant imbalance” in the economic resources of the parties that have participated in the elections and the benefits that the ruling party has. The media is “polarized” and private media are used for political propaganda, so the absence of impartial media coverage “affects voters’ ability to make an informed choice.” It also confirms threats and attacks on journalists.

Election day was “well organized”, but there was “a tense atmosphere, with frequent violations of voting secrecy and inconsistencies in the procedure”, as well as “reports of intimidation and pressure on voters”.

“The tabulation has been positively evaluated, but the precision and breadth of the protocols for the results have not been consistently verified (…). The official results have been finalized at the national level,” he indicated.

It also mentions the introduction of an electronic voting system, but “key actors have not had access to audit processes and limited access to documentation, which limits transparency contrary to good international practices.”

Regarding the census, he warns that there are “multiple entries of voters in the same address” of which the residents themselves had no news.

The latest data published by the Central Electoral Commission give the Georgian Dream party – considered pro-Russian – a total of 89 of the 150 seats that make up the unicameral Georgian Parliament thanks to 54.08 percent of votes. The Coalition for Change will have 18 seats, Unity-National Movement will have 17, Strong Georgia will have 14 seats and Gajaria for Georgia, 12, according to official data that is still provisional corresponding to the count of 3,100 of the 3,111 electoral districts.

The Central Electoral Commission has highlighted that the American audit company Pro V&V “confirms that the electronic voting machines have worked correctly,” according to the agency.