CoE Concerned Over Election Controversy in Georgia

President of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) Peter Schieder and Secretary General of the Council of Europe (CoE) Walter Schwimmer voiced on November 14 their concern over the continuing controversy after the 2 November parliamentary elections in Georgia.

“We call on all political forces to refrain from violence and to look for a democratic solution within the constitutional framework of the country”, the press release issued by the Council of Europe on November 14 reads.

“It is clear that once the present crisis is over, time will come for a thorough review of electoral legislation and practices”, CoE leaders added.

They said the Council of Europe is ready to assist Georgia to overcome the present political crisis through dialogue and to start immediately the far-reaching reforms needed to ensure free and fair voting and honest counting of the votes for the next elections.