U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken stated that Georgia's vibrant democracy has been a source of strength since 2004. The turnout in the October 26 parliamentary elections demonstrates the Georgian people’s embrace of democracy.
News
Trending stories
- 1 Search Ongoing for Czech Hiker Missing 13 Days in Egrisi Range
- 2 Kaladze Closes Accounts in European Banks, Saying He No Longer Trusts Them
- 3 Archbishop Iakob of Bodbe to Meet Jim O'Brien in Washington
- 4 Gakharia: Under What Conditions Does Ivanishvili Consider Restoring Territorial Integrity?
- 5 President Urges CEC to Establish Polling Station in Strasbourg
- 6 Additional Polling Stations Will Be Opened in 7 Cities Abroad for Upcoming Elections
“In 2024, however, international and local observers noted a pre-election environment marked by the ruling party’s misuse of public resources, vote buying, and voter intimidation, all of which contributed to an uneven playing field and undermined public and international trust in the possibility of a fair outcome.
While international and local observers agreed that Election Day was generally well administered, we note reports of irregularities and sporadic violence.
International observers have not declared the result to be free and fair. We condemn all contraventions of international norms and join calls from international and local observers for a full investigation of all reports of election-related violations.
Going forward, we encourage Georgia’s political leaders to respect the rule of law, repeal legislation that undermines fundamental freedoms, and address deficiencies in the electoral process together.
Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration goals, enshrined in the country’s constitution, require that the government respect the rights of members of civil society and the fundamental freedoms of all Georgian citizens,” Anthony Blinken said.