OSCE Deploys ‘Limited’ Mission to Monitor Local Elections
On September 8 the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) opened “a limited election observation mission” for the October 5 local self-governance elections in Georgia, according to the ODIHR.
“The OSCE/ODIHR believes that it would be useful to observe these elections. However, in view of the constrained timeframe and following our consultations with election stakeholders, we do not envisage systematic observation on election day,” Ambassador Geert Ahrens, who heads the mission, said.
On September 5-6 Ambassador Ahrens met with Georgian officials, election administrators, and representatives of political parties and civil society.
“Some expressed concern that the limited timeframe may not permit a meaningful campaign and could hamper an orderly election administration process,” Ambassador Ahrens said.
The OSCE/ODIHR has asked the Organization’s participating States to send 20 long-term observers to be deployed in the region next week.
Observers will monitor campaign activities, media coverage, the legislative framework and its implementation, the media situation, the work of the election administration and relevant government bodies, and the resolution of election disputes. The OSCE/ODIHR will not be requesting short-term observers.
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