The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) has announced that, for the first time in its 31-year history, it will not be able to conduct its traditional election monitoring mission during the local self-government elections scheduled for October 4, 2025.
In a statement, GYLA said it would continue to defend human rights and the rule of law, as well as provide periodic assessments of the broader legal environment. However, it explained that the current political and legal climate has made it “practically impossible” to carry out a full-scale monitoring mission.
The organization says the October elections are set to take place in one of the most challenging contexts in Georgia’s modern history. GYLA cited what it described as a regression of democracy, repressive measures against civil society organisations and the media, the adoption of restrictive laws, and the worsening legal framework for election observers.
“These developments have made it impossible for us to form a monitoring mission and ensure proper oversight of the electoral process,” the statement said.
Despite this, GYLA reaffirmed its commitment to continue advocating for transparency, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights throughout the electoral period.
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