Parliamentary elections in Georgia: developments are very worrying, says EU

The developments in Georgia following the 26 October Parliamentary elections are “very worrying”, EU High Representative Josep Borrell said in a statement today.

According to Borrell, international observers reported violations during the election campaign and on election day. “They have also not declared the elections to be free and fair,” Borrell said. “I am asking for a transparent inquiry. The Central Election Commission of Georgia and relevant authorities must investigate irregularities, pressure and intimidation on voters impacting public trust in the process, reported by observers. Those irregularities must be addressed swiftly, transparently and independently.”

The EU High Representative also said Georgia, being an EU candidate country, has to demonstrate its commitment to European values, starting with full transparency in the election process. “Integrity of elections and upholding the rule of law are cornerstones of democracy and an integral part and fundamentals of the EU accession path,” he said.

Borrell added that he had asked the Political and Security Committee (PSC), responsible for the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, to convene today for an urgent discussion on the difficult situation in Georgia. Borrell also put it on the agenda of the November Foreign Affairs Council.

“People of Georgia have been demonstrating for months their attachment to democratic values and their country advancing on the EU path. They deserve clarity on the election process, to have certainty about the legitimacy of the next government. It is important that protests and government reaction to them remain peaceful,” concluded Borrell.

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