Several EU member states' foreign ministers are reacting to the parliamentary elections held in Georgia, expressing concern over the reported violations. They emphasize the importance of conducting elections in a free and fair environment.
News
Trending stories
- 1 Protests Erupt in Abkhazia Over Russia-Favored Law, Opposition Members Arrested
- 2 Edison: 13% Discrepancy Between Exit Polls and CEC Results Suggests Manipulation
- 3 Kobakhidze: German Chancellor Should Be More Concerned About His Own Problems
- 4 US-Sanctioned Russian Propagandist Present in Georgia During Elections
- 5 Judge of Tetritskaro Annuls Results of 30 Precincts Over Vote Secrecy Violations
- 6 Nauseda: Extensive Russian Interference Casts Doubt on Election Legitimacy
Elina Valtonen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland: "Democracies are based on free elections. Concerned by the OSCE/ODIHR on the vote in Georgia numerous irregularities, pressure on voters and an unlevel playing field. Uncertainties wrt. to the integrity of the elections undermine the rights of the Georgian people."
Espen Barth Eide, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway: "I am concerned by the OSCE/ODIHR report on the elections in Georgia that documents numerous irregularities, pressure on voters, intimidation and an unlevel playing field. Uncertainties relating to the integrity of the electoral process undermine confidence and must be addressed."
Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark: "Denmark supports the democratic right of the Georgian people to have free and fair elections. Concerned by OSCE/ODIHR’s observations indicating that elections were marred by an unlevel playing field, pressure and tension. We take these findings very seriously."
Gabrielius Landsbergis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania: "Elections must be based on freedom and fairness. I take allegations of irregularities in any election very seriously and will be paying close attention to the developing situation in Georgia."
Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia: "Reports of irregularities in Georgian elections give rise to grave concern. Closely following the evaluations of international and local observers."
Radosław Sikorski, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland: "The President of Georgia has announced that the parliamentary elections were falsified. Europe must now stand with the Georgian people."
Benjamin Haddad, French Minister-Delegate for European Affairs: "Preliminary findings from election observation missions in Georgia indicate 'pressure, intimidation, and threats' against voters, as well as 'democratic backsliding.' EU candidate status entails responsibilities, including free elections, the preservation of fundamental freedoms, and political pluralism. These must be upheld for Georgia to continue on its European path."
As per data from the Central Election Commission of Georgia (with 99.968% of precincts counted), Georgian Dream received 53.92% of the votes in the parliamentary elections, while four opposition parties collectively received 37.786%.
The CEC's data sharply differ from the results of exit polls commissioned by the Formula and Mtavari Arkhi TV channels, which indicated that the opposition would win more parliamentary mandates than Georgian Dream. However, these results align with the exit poll published by the government-affiliated channel Imedi.
The opposition parties and the country’s president do not recognize the legitimacy of the official election results. Salome Zourabichvili stated that the elections were completely rigged and described the process as a "Russian special operation." She called on Georgia's partners in Europe and the United States to stand with the population.
