International Observers Report Widespread Irregularities in Georgia's Parliamentary Elections

Brussels, October 28, 2024 - Georgia's parliamentary elections have been severely criticized by international observers who reported widespread irregularities including violence, vote buying, and voter intimidation, raising serious questions about the legitimacy of the results and the country's democratic trajectory.

The elections, held on October 26 following what observers described as a "highly polarised and tense election campaign," were monitored by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) International Election Observation Mission, which included a European Parliament delegation.

According to preliminary findings, the elections were "marred by reports of pressure on voters, uneven playing field, polarized media environment and political instrumentalization." The extensive list of violations documented by international observers painted a picture of systematic electoral misconduct.

Specific irregularities reported included incidents of violence both inside and outside voting stations, vote buying schemes, double-voting, and the removal of media representatives and election observers. International monitors also documented intimidation of voters and what they described as political instrumentalization of the electoral process.

"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," noted European Parliament officials, praising citizens' efforts to maintain electoral integrity despite systematic problems.

The elections represented a crucial test for Georgia's democracy, being the first held since the country was granted EU candidate status in 2023. However, this process had already been "de facto halted following the adoption of the Foreign Agents Law," according to European officials.

European Parliament observers emphasized that "all reported violations must be investigated and addressed under the appropriate complaints and appeals procedures without due delay," calling for accountability through proper legal channels.

The electoral problems occurred against a backdrop of increasing concerns about Georgia's democratic backsliding under the ruling Georgian Dream party. The controversial Foreign Agents law, which requires organizations receiving foreign funding to register as "foreign agents," had already drawn international criticism for its similarity to Russian legislation used to suppress civil society.

The election results and subsequent events have led to a broader crisis in Georgia's European integration path, with the government later announcing it would pause EU accession negotiations despite the country's candidate status. This decision has triggered ongoing protests from pro-European Georgians who reject the government's abandonment of their European aspirations.

International observers have called the situation a pivotal moment for Georgia, with the country's democratic future hanging in the balance amid growing authoritarianism and the rejection of its historically pro-Western orientation.