The EU is calling on Georgia’s electoral authorities to quickly, transparently and independently investigate electoral “irregularities” in parliamentary elections won by the ruling pro-Russian party and contested by the pro-EU opposition.

The president of the European Council, Charles Michel, with his post on “X”, emphasizes that the EU takes into account the preliminary assessment of the electoral process by the OSCE and calls on the Central Electoral Commission and other competent authorities “to fulfill their duty for rapid, transparent and independent investigation and adjudication of electoral irregularities and complaints”.

“These alleged irregularities must be seriously clarified and addressed,” Charles Michel stressed, adding that the informal European Council to be held in Budapest in November will assess the situation and determine the next steps in the EU’s relations with Georgia. .

“We reiterate the EU’s call on the Georgian leadership to demonstrate its firm commitment to the country’s path towards the EU,” the President of the European Council stressed, adding that constructive and inclusive dialogue across the political spectrum is now paramount.

Furthermore, in a joint statement by the EU High Representative, Josep Borrell, and the European Commission, it is pointed out that the EU is closely monitoring developments in the parliamentary elections.

In particular it is pointed out that “according to the preliminary findings and conclusions of the International Election Observation Mission, led by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OEDHR), the election day was generally well organized from a procedural point of view and managed in an orderly manner, but it was characterized by a tense environment, with frequent compromises of voting secrecy and several procedural inconsistencies, as well as reports of voter intimidation and pressure that negatively affected public confidence in the process. Reports of voter pressure, particularly public sector employees, remained widespread in the campaign. This, combined with extensive voter tracking on Election Day, raised concerns about the ability of some voters to vote without fear of retribution.” In addition, it is emphasized that “election observers report an uneven playing field, divisive campaigning in a polarized atmosphere and significant concerns about the impact of recent legislative amendments on this electoral process.”

In the same statement, Z. Borel and the European Commission, call on the Central Election Commission of Georgia and other competent authorities “to fulfill their duty to quickly, transparently and independently investigate and adjudicate electoral irregularities and allegations.” These irregularities must be clarified and addressed.” This is a necessary step to restore confidence in the electoral process, they emphasize and add that according to the conclusions of the European Council of October 17, the EU calls on Georgia to adopt democratic, comprehensive and sustainable reforms, in accordance with the basic principles of the European completion.

In this context, the EU recalls that any legislation that undermines the fundamental rights and freedoms of Georgian citizens and goes against the values ​​and principles on which the EU is based must be repealed.