PACE: Our findings raise concerns about the accuracy of the election results.

“Our findings, based on observations of the pre-electoral campaign and election day, as well as credible and consistent reports from domestic observers following the elections, raise concerns about the correctness of the election results, namely whether the election results truly reflect the will of the voters.

Additionally, serious doubts persist regarding whether the electoral environment provided the necessary conditions for a fair election, enabling voters to make an informed choice free from intimidation and undue pressure,” the report reads.

In particular, the following issues must be highlighted, as they significantly undermined the fairness of the electoral process and challenged the legitimacy of its results:

• Transparency and fairness of the electoral process: last-minute changes and adjustments made to the electoral process raised significant concerns about its transparency and fairness. One of the most serious issues was the breach of voting secrecy, which was observed in almost a quarter of the polling stations visited by IEOM observers. This issue undermined the integrity of the election, as secret suffrage is a key feature of European electoral heritage, as set out in Article 3 of the Additional Protocol to the European Convention on Human Rights and highlighted by the Venice Commission in its Code of good practice in electoral matters.
• Politicisation of State institutions: The decision by the Anti-Corruption Bureau to designate certain NGOs, including Transparency International, as “entities with political goals” was an unacceptable move. Furthermore, recent amendments to the composition of the CEC have raised questions about the impartiality of the CEC and undermined the trust in this institution.
• Uneven playing field: The fairness of the elections was compromised by unequal competition conditions between political parties, with a clear advantage given to the ruling party. Administrative resources were used to benefit the ruling party, creating an uneven playing field. Additionally, unequal access to media outlets and media polarisation further hindered balanced representation and the dissemination of information, making it more difficult for voters to make an informed choice.
• A widespread climate of intimidation and pressure targeted both voters and activists, discouraging open participation. The Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence contributed to the stigmatisation of civil society groups, independent media, and dissenting voices. Intimidation both inside and outside polling stations on election day undermined voters’ sense of safety. Civil society organisations and journalists faced significant pressure and harassment. Reports of voter intimidation, coercion, and undue pressure were particularly prevalent among public sector employees and the economically vulnerable.
• Controlled environment: A “Big Brother is watching you” atmosphere was created by the installation of cameras by the ruling party in polling stations, often violating rules of secrecy of the vote. This led to a widespread sense of surveillance among voters and activists, fostering an environment of potential voter control and undermining trust in the electoral process.
• Democratic backsliding: Recent legislation restricting freedom of expression and freedom of association, particularly before and during the elections, along with the negative impact of abolishing the gender quota law, have further contributed to the country’s democratic backsliding.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe mission consisted of 500 international short-term observers. On October 26, they monitored the elections at approximately 2,000 polling stations across Georgia.