US calls for investigation into election violations in Georgia - Blinken
Photo: Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State (Getty Images)
Washington calls on Tbilisi to conduct a full investigation of data and reports of violations related to Georgia's October 26 parliamentary elections. The United States encourages the country's political leaders to address the shortcomings in the electoral process, states US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
According to him, in 2024, international and local observers noted a "pre-election environment marked by the ruling party’s misuse of public resources, vote buying, and voter intimidation, all of which contributed to an uneven playing field and undermined public and international trust in the possibility of a fair outcome."
Blinken stated that international and local observers agreed that Election Day in Georgia "generally went well," but the US noted reports of irregularities and violence during voting.
"International observers have not declared the result to be free and fair. We condemn all contraventions of international norms and join calls from international and local observers for a full investigation of all reports of election-related violations," the statement reads.
The US Secretary of State also added that Washington encourages Georgia's political leaders to "respect the rule of law, repeal legislation that undermines fundamental freedoms, and address deficiencies in the electoral process together."
"Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration goals, enshrined in the country’s constitution, require that the government respect the rights of members of civil society and the fundamental freedoms of all Georgian citizens," the American official concluded.
Parliamentary elections in Georgia
It was previously reported that parliamentary elections were held in Georgia on October 26, with the pro-Russian ruling party Georgian Dream competing against pro-European opposition political forces.
Following the election, as vote counting began, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili expressed confidence in an opposition victory. However, according to the country's Central Election Commission, the ruling party Georgian Dream has received over 54% of the votes, followed by opposition parties.
Several opposition parties in Georgia stated they do not recognize the election results, with some opposition members announcing planned protests.
International observers also reported significant violations during the elections in Georgia.
Additionally, on October 27, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that a government would be formed in Georgia despite opposition objections.
On the same day, President Salome Zourabichvili stated that she did not recognize the election results and called on citizens to protest.
European Council President Charles Michel declared that the parliamentary elections in Georgia were marred by significant violations. Consequently, the Georgian issue will be addressed at the upcoming European Council meeting.
