UNM Offers Political Parties Joint Election Declaration
United National Movement (UNM), the ruling party chaired by President Saakashvili, offered political parties on July 14 to sign a joint four-point declaration, undertaking commitment to contribute holding of free and fair electoral campaign and rejecting violence and voter bribery.
Undersigned parties will also commit themselves to recognize election results if the October parliamentary polls are deemed legitimate by "credible" observer organizations.
The declaration says that despite having substantial difference on many issues undersigned political parties "recognize decisive importance of free, fair and peaceful electoral process for the country’s further democratic development."
"We reject violence in the electoral campaign process, obstructing campaign and rallies of other parties, including through mobilizing own activists and arranging parallel rallies. We reject aggression while meetings and communicating with voters. We reject calls for violence and use of hate speech in respect of minority-related issues. We are ready to conduct an electoral campaign oriented towards issue-based discussions," reads the first point of the declaration.
"We reject vote-buying," the second point reads.
The third one says: "We are ready to be in steadfast observance of recommendations from the Central Election Commission, non-governmental organizations and Inter-Agency Task Force for Free and Fair Elections in respect of restricting use of administrative resources,"
The fourth point reads: "We take responsibility to recognize election results, summarized by the Central Election Commission and deemed legitimate by observer organizations with credible reputation."
Some political parties, including Christian-Democratic Movement (CDM) and New Rights have said they would join the declaration.
Bidzina Ivanishvili-led Georgian Dream opposition coalition said it has yet to discuss the proposal. Manana Kobakhidze, a chairperson of the Ivanishvili’s party, said that the principles outlined in the document were in overall acceptable, but a thorough consideration was required especially in respect of the fourth point of declaration.
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