• ABOUT US
    • History
    • Our Team
    • Advertising
    • Subscription
  • CONTACT US
Georgia Today
No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business & Economy
  • Social & Society
  • Sports
  • Culture
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business & Economy
  • Social & Society
  • Sports
  • Culture
No Result
View All Result
Georgia Today
No Result
View All Result

EU Delegation: Elections were Characterized by Hardened Polarization

by Georgia Today
October 4, 2021
in Highlights, Politics
Reading Time: 2 mins read
EU Delegation: Elections were Characterized by Hardened Polarization

The Delegation of the European Union, in coordination with the embassies of the Member States of the European Union, commented on the first round of the 2021 local elections in Georgia, saying that the elections were generally well administered, though characterized by hardened polarization.

“On 2 October, local elections took place in Georgia. The European Union commends the Georgian citizens for exercising their democratic right to vote in these elections, as well as the dedicated electoral staff and observers, considering the challenging context of the COVID-19 pandemic. We welcome the fact that a full-fledged International Election Observation Mission was deployed. This mission concluded that the elections were generally well administered, though characterized by hardened polarisation that contestants were able to campaign freely in a competitive environment, and that the Election Day proceeded in an orderly and transparent manner. It also highlighted important shortcomings, notably widespread and consistent allegations of intimidation, vote-buying, pressure on candidates and voters and an unlevel playing field. In addition, the significant imbalance in resources and undue advantage of incumbency further benefited the ruling party. Underrepresentation of women in the campaign demonstrates a need for greater commitment to ensure adequate representation in politics.

“We note with satisfaction that the amendments adopted in the run-up to the elections substantially improved the legal framework. However, it will be important to address, in an inclusive manner, all outstanding ODIHR recommendations, including those related to limitations on voting rights, some aspects of electoral dispute resolution, and further measures to counter the misuse of state resources. Genuine reform of the Judiciary is indispensable to increase trust also in the handling of electoral complaints.

“The current polarisation continues to have a negative effect on Georgia’s democracy – all parties have a responsibility to address this.

“In view of the second round of elections, the European Union calls on the authorities and all the political parties to urgently make additional efforts to ensure a fair electoral process. The reported malpractices must not become the norm. We also expect credible and swift investigations of all complaints, including reported intimidation and violence against journalists.

“The European Union will remain a consistent supporter of efforts to strengthen democracy in Georgia. We will continue to base our relationship on the principles of respect for human rights, the rule of law and democratic standards – values that are at the core of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement,” reads the statement.

By Ana Dumbadze

Related Story: OSCE Mission Head: Election Day was Generally Calm, with Violent Incidents

Tags: Elections in GeorgiaEU Delegation
ShareShareTweet

Related Posts

Kallas: Democracies need protection, not just agreements
News

Kallas: Democracies need protection, not just agreements

May 13, 2025
Changes in top prosecutor roles as Georgia appoints new officials
News

Changes in top prosecutor roles as Georgia appoints new officials

May 13, 2025
Zurabishvili: Open letter shows GD’s anxiety, doubts US president will read it soon
Highlights

Zurabishvili: Open letter shows GD’s anxiety, doubts US president will read it soon

May 13, 2025

Recommended

Putin, Xi, and allied leaders mark Russia’s Victory Day at Moscow parade

Putin, Xi, and allied leaders mark Russia’s Victory Day at Moscow parade

4 days ago
Experience Seamless Connectivity with Silknet eSIM in Georgia

Experience Seamless Connectivity with Silknet eSIM in Georgia

11 months ago
Champion Karateka Luka Khvedeliani on the Benefits of Georgian Karate for Georgia’s Youth

Georgia to Celebrate First Europe Day with European Union Candidate Status

1 year ago
Georgian Foreign Minister Holds Farewell Meeting with French Ambassador to Georgia

Georgian Foreign Minister Holds Farewell Meeting with French Ambassador to Georgia

3 years ago
Natia Mezvrishvili on Dealing with 2 Political Giants

Natia Mezvrishvili on Dealing with 2 Political Giants

3 years ago
Giorgi Gakharia: We were Told We Were Capable of Nothing – It’s All a Lie and Ukraine is a Great Example of This

Giorgi Gakharia: We were Told We Were Capable of Nothing – It’s All a Lie and Ukraine is a Great Example of This

3 years ago
GT Interview with Giorgi Badridze

GT Interview with Giorgi Badridze

3 years ago
Russo-Ukrainian War and Georgia – Analysis from security expert Kakha Kemoklidze

Russo-Ukrainian War and Georgia – Analysis from security expert Kakha Kemoklidze

3 years ago

Navigation

  • News
  • Politics
  • Business & Economy
  • Social & Society
  • Sports
  • Culture
  • International
  • Where.ge
  • Newspaper
  • Magazine
  • GEO
  • OP-ED
  • About Us
    • History
    • Our Team
    • Advertising
    • Subscription
  • Contact

Highlights

Latvia to ban visa-free travel for Georgian diplomats

New Pope, Leo XIV: God loves us all, unconditionally

Habemus Papam…Bishop Robert Prevost Named Pope

Conclave elects a new pope as white smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel

Ukraine Latest: Limited Ceasefire Marred by Ongoing Strikes and Drone Activity

“Georgia is now where Belarus was in 2020… It’s crucial you don’t repeat our mistakes”

Trending

Experience Seamless Connectivity with Silknet eSIM in Georgia
Business & Economy

Experience Seamless Connectivity with Silknet eSIM in Georgia

by Georgia Today
June 26, 2024

Why Silknet's eSIM could be your top choice in Georgia  Since its introduction, eSIM technology has become...

Photo by the author

Virtuosity and Versatility: Marc-André Hamelin Opens Tbilisi Piano Festival 2024

May 30, 2024
  • Where.ge
  • Newspaper
  • GEO
  • Magazine
  • Old Website

2000-2024 © Georgia Today

No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business & Economy
  • Social & Society
  • Sports
  • Culture
  • International
  • Where.ge
  • Newspaper
  • Magazine
  • GEO
  • OP-ED
  • About Us
    • History
    • Our Team
    • Advertising
    • Subscription
  • Contact

2000-2024 © Georgia Today