Diplomats Concerned over Intimidation Ahead of Polls
The Ambassadors of the Working Group on Elections, led by the UN and the OSCE expressed “deep concern about reported intimidation, violence, and threats of violence, as these have no place in any democratic society.”
The statement issued by the working group on May 15 reads: “The Ambassadors call on all political parties, the Central Election Commission, and the authorities to do their utmost in order to enable citizens to exercise their right to vote freely and in a peaceful manner.”
The OSCE/ODIHR’s second interim pre-election report said that there have been widespread allegations of voter intimidation, several of which could be substantiated by international observers.
The ambassadorial working group also said in its statement that it appeals “to all citizens who wish to exercise their right to protest to do so only in a non-violent manner that does not obstruct the administration of the election.”
On May 1 the nine-party opposition bloc leaders led a march to the Central Election Commission, which resulted in a scuffle with the police. Opposition youth activists have also demonstrated outside the CEC Chairman Levan Tarkhnishvili’s home in Tbilisi.
The Ambassadors of the Working Group on Elections is comprised of ambassadors of OSCE participating states (those which have missions in Tbilisi) and heads of international organizations involved in elections. It is co-chaired by the UN Resident Coordinator and the OSCE Head of Mission.
“Toward furthering the goal of free, fair and transparent elections in Georgia, the Ambassadorial Working Group is convening on a regular basis,” the working group’s statement said.
