Maria Telalian, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR), stated that “regrettably, the Georgian authorities’ decision to invite us at such a late stage prevents meaningful observation.” GD Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze had extended the invitation on September 6, less than a month ahead of the local elections slated for October 4.
The OSCE/ODIHR stated that “transparent and credible election observation requires thorough preparation and an ability to access key stages of the election process, in line with our comprehensive methodology,” which can’t be applied within the short time frame. Director Telalian expressed hope to continue cooperating with local civil society organizations.
“The lack of a timely invitation to allow for meaningful observation of Georgia’s upcoming local elections by OSCE/ODIHR is regrettable,” the Swedish Foreign Ministry said on September 10. It warned that recent amendments to Georgia’s electoral legislation jeopardize election integrity, while “repression against civil society and opposition continues.” The Ministry called on the Georgian authorities to “restore trust in democratic institutions, including by implementing OSCE electoral recommendations.”
Earlier, the leading Georgian election watchdog, ISFED, said it would not deploy its “standard” monitoring mission for the elections, citing “largely unmet” conditions for a free, fair, and competitive vote.
This news was updated on September 10 at 12:47 to include the reaction of the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
Read Also:
- 06/09/2025 – GD Extends Last Minute Invitation to OSCE/ODIHR Election Observers
- 08/07/2025 – ODIHR Regrets GD Government’s ‘Stated Intention’ Not to Invite Monitoring Mission
- 18/06/2025 – Kobakhidze Says ODIHR Monitoring of Local Elections ‘Unnecessary’
- 12/06/2025 – ODIHR: We Have Not Received Invitation to Observe Local Elections in Georgia
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