Georgia Urged to Fill Legislative Gaps Ahead of Polls

In light of a tight timeframe ahead of parliamentary elections this May, Christian Strohal, the director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), called on both the opposition and authorities to agree on outstanding legislative changes required to improve the electoral framework.

“There is little time left to finalize the necessary legal amendments to address remaining inconsistencies and gaps in the election code,” he said. “Therefore, it is highly important that this process takes place in an inclusive and transparent manner to increase confidence and trust by all stakeholders in the electoral process.”

Strohal, who visited Georgia on March 10-11, also said that ODIHR expected the Georgian authorities “to show strong commitment to address the shortcomings” highlighted in the ODIHR final report on the January 5 presidential elections. “Political will at all levels to conduct genuinely democratic elections will be of fundamental importance in the electoral process,” he said.

During his visit, Strohal met with Parliament Chairperson Nino Burjanadze; Foreign Minister David Bakradze, as well as with representatives of the opposition, civil society, the media and the election administration.

ODIHR has received an invitation from the Georgian authorities to observe the upcoming parliamentary elections this May. ODIHR plans to deploy a standard long-term observer mission several weeks ahead of polling day.