Election Day Observations
International observers have raised significant concerns regarding the integrity of the electoral process during Georgia’s recent parliamentary elections held on October 26, 2024. Coordinated by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), these observers highlighted polarization between the ruling party, Georgian Dream, and opposition groups who argue that the election results were manipulated.
Pre-Election Environment
While the observers noted that election day operations were generally organized, they criticized the tense atmosphere leading up to the voting. They reported instances of intimidation and procedural inconsistencies that marred the election process, marking a troubling prelude to a crucial democratic event.
Instances of Vote Manipulation
Iulian Bulai, leading the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe delegation, called attention to specific violations, including cases of vote-buying and double-voting that occurred in several rural areas before and during the elections. He also pointed out that the presence of cameras inside polling places created a stressful environment for voters, adding to the overall climate of pressure.
Contested Election Results
After the voting concluded, Georgian Dream declared it had secured a majority, referencing data from the electoral commission. However, opposition parties quickly contested these results, alleging that the election had been “rigged.” This assertion has intensified the existing political tension in the nation.
Compromised Voter Secrecy
The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights reported that in 24% of the election cases it analyzed, voter secrecy was compromised. Antonio Lopez-Isturiz White, representing a group from the European Parliament, highlighted this issue and noted the overall highly polarized voting climate that pervaded the elections.
Unequal Campaign Dynamics
Observers identified a significant imbalance in the pre-election landscape, with the ruling Georgian Dream party benefiting from more substantial financial backing. They found that domestic media largely favored the incumbent, providing disproportionate coverage leading up to election day. This gave Georgian Dream an undue advantage in the campaign.
Misuse of Resources and Political Bias
Lopez-Isturiz White further alleged that public resources were misused to support the ruling party and that civil servants faced pressure to engage in campaign activities. He pointed out that even newly established institutions, like the Anti-Corruption Bureau, were being employed for political ends, highlighting a deeper concern about the misuse of power.
Next Steps and Reactions
The OSCE deployed 529 observers throughout Georgia, including a team from the European Parliament, to assess the electoral environment and media coverage. While they withheld comments on how their findings might influence the formation of a new government, they pledged to prepare individual reports and continue monitoring the situation. Their observations are expected to strengthen the opposition’s claims against the electoral commission’s conclusions, while Georgian Dream’s leadership maintains that the election results reflect the people’s choice for stability and a European future. European leaders have been cautious in publicly supporting the ruling party, with only Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán offering congratulations.
SOURCE: Ref Image from South China Post
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