The President of the United States, Joe Biden, has called on the Georgian government to conduct a transparent investigation into all violations uncovered during the October 26 parliamentary elections. In a statement released by the White House, Biden expressed deep concern about Georgia's recent democratic backsliding.
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"The United States has long stood with the Georgian people and supported the country of Georgia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. That is why I have been deeply alarmed by the country’s recent democratic backsliding, including the enactment of legislation mirroring Russian laws that restrict fundamental freedoms and limit the space for independent civil society organizations.
Most recently, Georgia’s October 26 parliamentary elections were marred by numerous recorded misuses of administrative resources as well as voter intimidation and coercion.
Georgian citizens have a right to peacefully express their views regarding the conduct of these elections, which independent international and domestic observers have not said were free and fair.
We call on the Georgian government to transparently investigate all election irregularities, to repeal laws such as the so-called “Foreign Influence Law” that limit freedoms of assembly and expression, and to begin an immediate, inclusive dialogue with all political forces in Georgia about restoring election integrity.
We call for all parties to strictly respect the rule of law and fundamental freedoms, which remain the foundation for Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic future," President Joe Biden said in a statement.
The European Union also urges Georgian authorities to conduct a transparent investigation into the violations identified during the elections. According to EU High Representative Joseph Borrell, the Central Election Commission and relevant bodies should investigate the reported voter intimidation, pressure, and other violations observed.
