U.S. State Department on Georgian Election

In a statement issued on January 7 the U.S. State Department called on Georgian politicians “to work peacefully and responsibly for a democratic Georgia.”

“We agree with the European Union and the International Election Observer Mission that this was the first genuinely competitive presidential election in Georgia. Turnout was high in spite of inclement weather,” the statement said. “International monitors identified significant problems that must be corrected. We urge the Government of Georgia to investigate all allegations of irregularities and to work with all political forces to address the challenges and shortcomings identified by international observers prior to parliamentary elections expected this spring.”

The statement made a reference to the preliminary findings of the international observation mission, which described the January 5 presidential polls in Georgia as essentially consistent with most OSCE and Council of Europe commitments and standards for democratic elections.