EU deplores escalating polarisation following local elections in Georgia
November 1, 2021

EU deplores escalating polarisation following local elections in Georgia


The EU has called on all parties in Georgia to stay engaged in the electoral process, deploring allegations of intimidation and escalating political polarisation. 

In comments issued in coordination with EU Heads of Mission following the second round of local elections on 30 October, the EU Ambassador in Georgia said: While this mission again concluded that the elections were generally well administered and that the campaign was competitive, it also observed an escalation of negative rhetoric, persistent allegations of intimidation and pressure on voters and sharp imbalances in resources, which benefited the ruling party and tilted the playing field.”

“Following the first round, we stated that the reported malpractices must not become a norm in Georgia. We deplore that these elections have been a missed opportunity in this respect. Despite a clear assessment by the international observers, meaningful steps were not taken to address key shortcomings. On the contrary, further shortcomings have emerged, especially in terms of misuse of administrative resources and violent rhetoric by Georgia’s political leaders, further fuelling an already deep political polarisation.” 

The comments added: We call on all parties to stay engaged in the electoral process. Public trust in its integrity requires an inclusive, credible and transparent recounting process and fair adjudication of complaints and appeals.

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