International Observers Noted Progress in Georgian Elections

International Election Observation Mission in a statement of preliminary findings states that March 28 parliamentary elections in Georgia “demonstrated commendable progress in relation to previous elections.”
 
Some 440 international observers from OSCE, European Parliament and Council of Europe monitored the partial rerun of parliamentary polls in Georgia.

Statement over the preliminary findings issued by the international observers on March 29 also notes that continued intimidation and physical abuse against opposition supporters and journalists in Adjara, cast a shadow over the overall progress in the election process, its statement adds.

“This poll was better organized and more democratic than previous ones,” Matyas Eorsi, Head of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly’s delegation said.

“Yet it almost resulted in a one-party parliament, which does reflect the will of the people, but cannot reflect the wide diversity of views indispensable for meaningful debates on Georgia’s future. The Government has now received the political support it needed to introduce necessary reforms for the benefit of the whole of Georgia,” he added.

Demetrio Volcic, Head of the Delegation of the European Parliament pointed out that “With the exception of Adjara, the media was able to express itself freely.

International observers also stated that commendable efforts were made to improve the voters’ lists. Although same-day voter registration was allowed this time, it should not be repeated in future elections.

The continuing lack of a clear separation between state administration and political party structures, as well as the inability to ensure balanced composition of election commissions at all levels, should be addressed by the authorities.

In general, election day was calm and peaceful and the election administration operated with overall efficiency.

Observers claim that in Adjara, apparently there were less systematic irregularities, although isolated incidents have been reported. Once again, voter irregularities were particularly noticeable in Marneuli, Gardabani and Tkibuli, where observers reported cases of multiple voting and ballot stuffing, as well as suspiciously high turnout figures.