Georgia succeeds with open, highly-competitive and well-administered Elections
Monitoring groups and thousands of international observers have confirmed the October 8 Parliamentary Elections in Georgia were free in expressing the will of the Georgian people and reaffirmed the country’s democratic credentials. This election was the third consecutive national election judged to be free and fair since Georgian Dream came to power in 2012, thus holding on continuity of the democratic practice in the country.
According to the Georgian Central Election Commission’s (CEC) preliminary results from 3,702 precincts nationwide, three parties passed the 5% threshold and have gained seats in Parliament: The Georgian Dream (48.68%), the United National Movement (27.11%), and the Alliance of Patriots (5.01%).
Out of 3.5 million registered voters, 1.8 million voters participated in the October 8 Parliamentary Elections, out of which approximately 51% are women and 49% are men.
CEC announced that the second round of Parliamentary Elections in 48 majoritarian electoral districts will be held on October 30th.
The election was monitored by 30,000 non-partisan observers from 55 International delegations and over 100 national organizations. More than 5,000 representatives from 184 international and domestic media organizations covered the elections. Despite a few isolated incidents currently being investigated, the vote was widely confirmed as meeting democratic standards and fundamental rights, with the results reflecting the will of the Georgian people.
“This was a truly free and fair election, which firmly cements Georgia’s democracy,” said Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili. “I am proud that so many Georgians came out to vote today. The real winners today are the Georgian people who made their voices heard at the ballot box.”
Observers’ evaluations:
Monitoring groups and international observers have confirmed that parliamentary elections in Georgia expressed the will of the electorate and reaffirmed Georgia’s democratic credentials. They also confirmed that the preliminary results were accurate.
According to the International Election Observation Mission Statement of Preliminary Findings and Conclusions:
The 8 October elections were competitive, well-administered and fundamental freedoms were generally respected. The calm and open campaign atmosphere was, however, impacted by allegations of unlawful campaigning and some incidents of violence.
The electoral legal framework was deemed to be conducive to democratic elections. Late amendments to the electoral law impacted election operations and the campaign. Recent legal changes also resulted in the drawing of new constituency boundaries aiming to respect the principle of equal representation, as recommended.
The election administration, led by the Central Election Commission (CEC), worked in a timely and professional manner and the CEC enjoyed a high level of trust amongst electoral stakeholders.
There is increased trust and confidence in the accuracy of the voter lists amongst election stakeholders.
Media legislation provided a sound framework for the freedom of media. The overall pluralism of the media landscape has improved.
International Republican Institute (IRI) evaluated the elections in a statement saying that they were “held in a mostly calm and peaceful environment, were well-administered, and appeared to reflect the will of the Georgian people.”
National Democratic Institute (NDI) issued a statement emphasizing that “Georgian voters went to the polls in a mostly calm and orderly process, and polling officials for the most part worked diligently over long hours to organize and execute proper election procedures. Throughout the day, NDI observed a process that included minor violations, but appeared to progress smoothly.”
EU High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini and Commissioner Johannes Hahn jointly addressed the election results saying that “the European Union is committed to a stable, democratic and prosperous future of Georgia. Once the electoral process has been completed, we look forward to working with the democratically elected new Parliament and Government to deepen our political and economic relations based on the joint commitments of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement.”
Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili thanked Election Observers: “This was a truly free and fair election, which firmly cements Georgia’s democracy. I would like to thank all foreign and domestic election observers for their commitment to Georgia’s democracy and help in protecting the will of the Georgian people.”
US Government, Senate and House of Representatives evaluations:
The US Department of State issued a statement on the Parliamentary Elections: “The United States congratulates the people of Georgia on competitive and well-administered October 8 elections that largely respected fundamental freedoms, as assessed by the OSCE Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. These elections affirm Georgia as a leader of democratic reform in the region.”
A number of members of the Senate and House also highly praised the peaceful and competitive environment of the Parliamentary Election conducted in Georgia:
Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI): “Despite some reported incidents, Georgia’s successful elections last Sunday are a testament to Georgia’s commitment to democracy.”
Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH): “Congrats to the Georgian people for Sunday’s parliamentary vote, judged to be competitive and well-administered by OSCE and international observers. I condemn the isolated violence and call on all parties to deescalate tensions and improve the environment ahead of future voting.”
Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA): “In August I visited the country of Georgia as part of a Congressional Delegation and met leaders who have shaped this nation as a democracy since its independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union 25 years ago. Last Saturday, Georgia carried out its third free and fair election since 2012, clearly demonstrating the democratic progress it has made as a people. Georgia is a great friend and partner in a region marred by Russian aggression and deserves our continued support. On its 25th Anniversary of statehood, I send my congratulations to the people of Georgia and my best wishes to the new government.”
Congressman David Schweikert (R-AZ): “I wish to congratulate the people of Georgia, who on October 8th held yet another free, fair, and competitive election. This latest vote shows the vitality of Georgia’s key democratic institution, including an active and engaged civil society.”
Congressman Mario Diaz-Ballart (R-FL): “Congratulations to Georgia for another free + fair election that reflected the will of the people, + reinforced their democratic values!”
Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI): “Congratulations to the country Georgia on holding free and fair parliamentary elections on October 8. Georgia’s continued progress toward a fully democratic and free society underscores the value of our bilateral relationship.”
Congressman Mark Sanford (R-SC): “Georgia has been a great ally to the United States, and it’s impressive to see the people of Georgia carrying out a free and fair election just last week…the third in four years. In its 25th year of independence, it’s clear that the democratic process has taken root in the country — a remarkable thing to celebrate. My congratulations.”
Congressman Bill Keating (D-MA): “I’d like to extend my congratulations to the people of Georgia on the success of their recent parliamentary elections. Their commitment to free and fair elections makes Georgia an important leader in promoting democratic institutions in the region and around the world… As a member of the Georgia Caucus, I have been a staunch supporter of defending Georgia’s territorial sovereignty and right to self-determination and I applaud the country in their ongoing work towards democratic reforms to ensure that the will of the Georgian people is represented in their government… I was disappointed to learn of the isolated instances of violence on election day and would urge all parties to refrain from escalating tensions further. As run-off elections approach later this month, I hope that all sides will remain committed to meeting the same high standards for free and fair elections and reaffirm Georgia’s leadership in promoting democracy and the rule of law.”
Congressman Erik Paulsen (R-MN): “Congrats to the nation of Georgia for its recent free & fair parliamentary election, & demonstrating their continued commitment to democracy.”
Other electoral observers’ assessment:
· International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy
· Transparency International Georgia
· International Republican Institute
· National Democratic Institute — International Observation Mission
· UK Minister for Europe, Sir Alan Duncan
· Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
· German Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier
· Embassy of the USA to Georgia