The delegation from the American non-governmental organization National Democratic Institute (NDI) is launching an international observation mission for Georgia's parliamentary elections on October 26. The delegation includes 22 political and civil leaders from nine different countries, as well as election experts and regional specialists.
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The monitoring mission will be led by former U.S. Congressman and former Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Tom Malinowski, former EU Ambassador to Georgia, Per Eklund, and NDI President, Dr. Tamara Cofman Wittes.
“This will be Georgia’s first election since it submitted its application for European Union candidacy. It will give Georgian citizens an opportunity to decide the direction of their country, and the Georgian government and all political stakeholders a chance to demonstrate their commitment to democratic procedures and values,” said Malinowski.
During their visit to Georgia, the delegation will meet with various stakeholders, including representatives from the Central Election Commission, government officials, civil society leaders, local observers, and heads of political parties.
While observing the elections, the delegation will focus on key issues such as election administration, legislation, the media and information environment, the political climate, and the election campaign environment. They will also assess the inclusion of different social groups in the election process, both as candidates and voters.
On election day, the mission will oversee the voting process in nine regions of Georgia and in polling stations in Tbilisi. This will include observing the opening of precincts, the voting process, vote counting, and the transmission and publication of results.
“This is a chance to reaffirm Georgia’s place on the global stage as a resilient and forward-looking democracy. It is incumbent upon all political parties to demonstrate that Georgia, despite rising political polarization, continues to make democratic progress and is committed to its transparent, pluralist, and democratic path,” said Ambassador Eklund.
NDI has been monitoring elections in Georgia since 1992. According to the Institute’s director, the election mission represents the international community’s support for credible elections and democratic governance in Georgia. The upcoming elections are described as “a critical event for the country’s democratic future.”
After the elections, NDI’s international observation mission will present a preliminary report with its findings and recommendations.
