Observers Hail Presidential Polls

Real Tests Lie Ahead, as Parliamentary Elections Loom

Western Observers Say Elections Moved Georgia Closer to Europe.

Western observers say the Georgia’s provisional authorities have passed the first test in democracy, as no major violations have been reported during the January 4 snap presidential elections. However, they noted, the upcoming parliamentary elections will be the true test for the new authorities.

“The authorities showed the political will to conduct democratic elections, making a welcome contrast to the deeply flawed  November 2 parliamentary elections,” Bruce George, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE and the Special Co-ordinator for the short-term observers, appointed by the OSCE Chairman-in-Office said at a news briefing in Tbilisi on January 5.

Around 450 international observers from 38 OSCE countries, as well as up to 3,000 local observers monitored the election. However, International observers noted “less scrutiny by domestic observers” in all aspects of the election process.

“This election has brought Georgia closer to meeting international standards for democratic elections and closer to Europe,” Demetrio Volcic, Head of the Delegation of the European Parliament, said.