The Georgian Central Election Commission (CEC) responded to the allegations voiced by President Salome Zurabishvili over the October 26 parliamentary elections by saying the statements over “alleged fraud represent the continuation of disinformation and manipulation campaign derived from concrete political interests.”
The CEC says the President’s statements as if the elections were rigged are devoid of arguments are are fully unsubstantiated.
“We would like to emphasize once again that there are no confirmed facts or evidence that there were any violations during the parliamentary elections that could have had a significant impact on the final outcomes of these elections. Nevertheless, the President of Georgia, unfortunately, repeats the propaganda narrative of some interested representatives and thereby attempts to discredit the elections and, consequently, the election administration at the local and international levels, thereby contributing to even greater tension in an already polarized environment.
Although there were certain remarks, shortcomings or concerns in the election process, it is noteworthy that the CEC administered the October 26 elections at a highly professional level and in full compliance with the legislation, which, at least, is confirmed in the recently published assessment of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission. We also expressed our full readiness, within our competence, to consider and, to the extent possible, take into account all recommendations made to ensure the improvement of the election process. We are convinced that now is the time to initiate such a process and discuss it in a calm environment between the parties involved, and not to try to bring even greater intensity.
We would also like to remind the public that after the announcement of the results of the October 26 elections, based on the widespread statements regarding “alleged fraud”, the election administration itself addressed the authorized agency and requested the initiation of an investigation to objectively assess the widespread claims. As far as is known from publicly available information, no one has presented any substantial or concrete evidence of the allegations made so far.
We once again call on the President and all interested stakeholders making such allegations to present relevant, substantiated evidence or to refrain from spreading unsubstantiated/unfounded and misleading statements that undermine public trust in the election process.
The election administration remains a firm defender of the standard of transparency and accountability. Any disinformation will be followed by a factual and comprehensive response to ensure that the public is accurately informed about the integrity of the election process. We call on all stakeholders to act responsibly and contribute to strengthening, not undermining, trust in Georgia’s democratic institutions”, readst he CEC statement.
