"We are all glad to say that yesterday's elections - despite the reports we have received about local incidents and individual irregularities - were carried out in an overall calm and peaceful manner. After a very controversial campaign in a heated atmosphere including harsh rhetoric and violent actions, this was not to be taken for granted" stated Jos Wienen (Netherlands, EPP/CCE), Head of the Congress delegation to observe local elections in Georgia. "However, the electoral legislation has to be further improved. For example, the current system still favours the incumbent forces and is not conducive to smaller parties and independent candidates, in particular regarding the current composition of electoral commissions. We also believe that the counting procedures have to be reviewed", he added.

"In addition, we received reports about candidates of opposition parties who withdrew from the proportional party lists, allegedly because of pressure exerted on them. We therefore urge the Georgian authorities to ensure due and transparent legal proceedings. This holds also true for cases of violence which happened prior to these elections and yesterday", he underlined. "Therefore, with regard to the runoffs which are to be expected in the coming weeks, a zero-tolerance policy has to be adopted towards electoral violence and degrading or hateful discourse. I urge all political actors to contribute to this strategy", the Head of the delegation concluded.

Press release
Preliminary conclusions
Press release - 11 June 2014

See also:
Georgia and the Council of Europe