Tbilisi, Georgia – Around 80 policy-and law makers, members of the Central Election Commission, representatives of State Audit Office, political parties, international community, media and civil society discussed the 2016 parliamentary elections in Georgia at the conference organised by the Council of Europe within the scope of its Action Plan for Georgia 2016-2019, and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on 13 March 2017 in Tbilisi.

The Conference participants drew lessons from the organisation and management of the 2016 parliamentary elections in view of compliance with European and international standards and for further improving the electoral process in Georgia.   The Conference also provided a platform to discuss expected challenges ahead of the 2017 local elections. The Council of Europe and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) spoke of their ongoing electoral assistance activities.

”Such post-election conferences provide excellent opportunities for the electoral stakeholders to get engaged in concrete discussions on improving electoral legislation and practice and on effectively addressing the issues underlined by international and domestic observers. They also allow us to see the progress achieved in election administration and identify the areas that need further attention,” said Cristian Urse, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Georgia.

 “The 2016 Parliamentary Elections gave Georgia yet another chance to demonstrate to the world its transition to a more stable, consolidated democracy.  We were pleased to see that Georgian citizens and governmental authorities seized this opportunity. However, some underlying problems were still identified that need concerted attention. This conference is a unique opportunity to review and summarise key finding of 2016 parliamentary elections throughout the whole electoral cycle and identify steps forward for further improvements “, said Monica Azimi, Director of Democracy, Governance and Social Development Office, USAID.

“Transparency of electoral processes has the utmost importance and ensuring public awareness about the activities of Election Administration has the highest priority for the CEC. We are keen to seize each opportunity for ensuring this awareness and sharing each detail about the work performed by the election administration. Similar conferences provide excellent possibility to deliberate each step taken for improving election environment and discuss achieved progress as well as lessons learned,” said Tamar Zhvania, Chairperson of the Central Election Commission of Georgia.

The post-election conferences are jointly organised by the Council of Europe and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems after each nationwide election in Georgia. Previous post-election conferences were organised following the 2012 parliamentary, 2013 presidential and 2014 local elections.

Media contacts:

Council of Europe Office in Georgia

34 Ilia Chavchavadze Avenue

Tbilisi 0179, Georgia

Tel: +995 322913870

The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES)

7 Nino Nikoladze Street

Tbilisi 0108, Georgia

Tel: +995 322999309