Final Report of OSCE/ODIHR on Parliamentary Elections in Georgia

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The 1 October parliamentary elections marked an important step in consolidating the conduct of democratic elections in line with OSCE and Council of Europe commitments, although certain key issues remain to be addressed. 

It is said in the final report of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) on long-term election observation mission, which was published on December 21.

The elections were competitive with active citizen participation throughout the campaign, including in peaceful mass rallies. However, the report authors stress out that the environment, however, was polarized and tense, characterized by the frequent use of harsh rhetoric and a few instances of violence. 

In accordance to the report, the distinction between state activities and the campaign of the ruling party was at times blurred.

OSCE Observation Mission also evaluated the Election Code of Georgia and states that “important previous recommendations by the OSCE/ODIHR were implemented.” However, Key remaining shortcomings include the disparity of the population size among single mandate constituencies, which undermines the equality of the vote.

The document also lists recommendations about the balance in media during pre-election period. The report authors believe media issue is attached to legal regulations of funding of pre-election campaign. Observers also suggest Georgia to further verify voters’ lists.

Considering interim and final report, observers of the OSCE long-term observation mission suggest Georgia to revise overall legal basis of the election system to improve “some technical and procedural elements: for the upcoming presidential elections of 2013.

You can see full version of the OSCE/ODIHR Report on the website of NPO.GE .