In its statement issued on February 27 the pre-election delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) states that it “is deeply concerned that the new authorities did not follow up on crucial recommendations it made after the last elections.”
“The delegation therefore strongly believes that, if there is the political will, these recommendations can still be implemented by the new authorities, if necessary through an extraordinary session of the current parliament,” the statement reads.
The Assembly called the Georgian authorities for adoption of measures that ensure the unbiased composition of the CEC and lower level election commissions.
The PACE also urged for reduction of 7% threshold, necessary for securing seats in the Parliament.
“Pluralist democracy cannot function without a viable opposition. With the current 7% threshold to enter parliament, combined with a fragmented opposition, there is a real risk that the upcoming elections will result in a one party parliament,” the statement says.
“The delegation can see no reason why the authorities should oppose lowering the threshold from the high 7% to 4% or 5%, which is the average in European democracies and calls upon the authorities to lower this threshold.”
The delegation condemned the recent violence in Adjara Autonomous Republic, when the offices of the opposition movements were violently raided in the Adjarian capital Batumi.
“The delegation condemns events in Adjara and calls upon the Authorities in Batumi to guarantee that free and fair elections, including election campaigning, can be conducted in the Autonomous region of Adjara. The delegation equally calls upon all parties to abstain from violent confrontations,” the PACE pre-election delegation’s statement reads.
The delegation stated that it was pleased to note that progress was made in other areas relating to the forthcoming elections.
“The efforts made to create a computerized voters register are to be welcomed, and although same day registration of voters on Election Day can still not be abolished, this is a point of marked progress over previous elections.”
The Parliamentary Assembly will send a 30-member delegation to observe the elections on 28 March 2004.
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