Pre-Election Televised Address by Nino Burjanadze

Tbilisi, May 20

The Georgian population is still facing a serious test today. It is very important that in such and every difficult and very responsible moment for the country, we, regardless of our political sympathy, do our best that the country remains stable, maintains a normal political environment and achieves its final goal, which is a democratic, developed and successful country.

It is very important for each of us to go to a ballot box on May 21 parliamentary elections and make a choice in a democratic atmosphere, in favor of future development of our country.

I want to call on each person that any of you, everybody, who has the right to vote, should come to the polling station because high [voter] turnout is essential to ensure that the elections will be fair and democratic.

The elections should be held in a calm atmosphere and nobody, either inside the country, or outside, should question its fairness and democratic nature.

Our joint efforts are needed for that.

I want to call on everybody, all political forces, to do their utmost for holding elections in a democratic and civilized manner.

First of all, I want to address the authorities and the officials, especially local authorities and law enforcement agencies – tomorrow will be a test for our country, our democracy. Your duty is to create all the necessary conditions to ensure that each citizen has a possibility to make a free choice.

All those public officials, who in a pre-election period or on the election day even slightly breach their duties or misuse power should be strictly held responsible before the law. Each public official should know it. Those, who try to rig the elections or bring them to a deadlock, should be punished strictly in accordance to the law.

I want to address the Central Election Commission (CEC), whose independence and competence is of vital importance and this should not be questionable – it is very important that no doubts emerge in respect of the course of elections and its results.

Therefore, not a single justified appeal should remain without adequate and duly reaction. Today, the Central Election Commission, each member of all election commissions bear the huge responsibility and correct and duly discussion of appeals is one of the key preconditions for holding elections in a stable and democratic environment.

I also want to address the representatives of opposition political forces to carry out the election process as calmly and rationally as possible and to resolve any complaint under the rule established by the law.

Everybody should understand that there are winners and losers in the elections. And even if the result is unacceptable for any political force and if this result objectively reflects the mood and choice of the Georgian population, it should be accepted and respected by everyone.

I, as the Parliamentary Chairperson, will do my utmost to ensure that the key constitutional right of a citizen to make a free choice is protected.

I want to ask our compatriots to participate in the elections, to enjoy their key constitutional right because just high [voter] turnout is one of the major guarantees for holding fair and free elections. I wish the population of my country a successful election in favor of democratic and stable development of our country.