NDI publishes a report on the parliamentary elections in Georgia
By Natalia Kochiashvili
Friday, November 6
The National Democratic Institute (NDI) published a report on October 31st, 2020, parliamentary elections in Georgia on November 4th. The report released by the organization states that the NDI analysis is carried out in accordance with the Declaration of Principles of International Election Observation and notes that due to the existing restrictions in the light of the global COVID-19 pandemic, additional international observers could not be sent to Georgia. Thus, the organization has made relevant changes to the methodology to ensure intensive remote engagement.
The report reads that the voting on election day was largely in accordance with the rules established by law. According to the preliminary results of the Central Election Commission, the voter turnout was 56.11%. 9 parties have exceeded the established limit by the proportional system, and the second round will be held in 16 out of 30 majoritarian constituencies. However, international and domestic observer teams highlighted, among other issues, violations of the results protocols and the secrecy of the ballot. They reported cases of physical confrontation outside polling stations, obstruction of work for journalists and observers, alleged cases of voter bribery and vote-rigging, and the presence of party coordinators and activists outside most polling stations, creating an environment of intimidation. Opposition activists staged large-scale protests after election day, with many demanding that the vote be counted or that the results be annulled and re-elected.
NDI notes that flaws in the results protocols, reports of possible intimidation at and outside polling stations, delayed publication of results, and persistent abuses of power in the run-up to October 31st, 2020, parliamentary elections have undermined significant legislative and administrative improvements.
“Government leaders and the election administration will need to take special steps to summarize the results of the first round and prepare for the second round scheduled for November 21st in response to doubts raised during the election process, as well as to increase public confidence in the election process and the final results.”
Overall, the legal framework provided a solid basis for elections. Speaking to NDI, most of the stakeholders positively assessed the constitutional changes and legislative reforms adopted in June and July, noting at the same time that several issues remained a challenge. The administration of pre-election procedures was generally assessed as competent, law-abiding, and transparent, however, partisanship bias, especially in lower-level commissions, was the subject of constant criticism from opposition parties and civil society organizations. Most of the parties, with special exceptions, positively assessed the measures taken to protect public health during the coronavirus pandemic.
Low public confidence in Georgia's judiciary has led to a distrust of civil society and opposition parties towards election complaints and appeals. The ruling Georgian Dream had a huge advantage in financial resources, which exacerbated concerns about the fairness of the campaign and party funding system.
Changes in the electoral system have facilitated the participation of new parties in the elections, some of which have won parliamentary seats. However, due to media polarization, the parties had unequal access to television coverage. “The campaign messages were focused on criticizing the opponent rather than constructive and different political visions and decisions,” the NDI said.
Numerous cases of violence or threats against journalists have been reported. The televised debates between the candidates were limited, so this opportunity could not be properly used to inform the voters. Information manipulations were widespread, especially on Facebook. Fraudulent information within the country turned out to be a bigger problem than misinformation coming from outside the country.
According to the organization, as for the pandemic, it had less impact than expected on campaign strategies.
Georgia has taken important steps to ensure greater inclusiveness and diversity in politics. The report highlights the importance of introducing a mandatory gender quota. The newly elected parliament is expected to include at least 28 women, slightly more than the current number.
“Despite this progress, women, ethnic and religious minorities, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBT + community are still underrepresented in the new parliament, as well as in party organizations and their platforms. The media environment is diverse and open, yet politically polarized, which manifests itself in biased coverage and prevents voters from making informed choices.”
In the 19 pages preliminary report, the NDI also issued recommendations for all sides including media, parties, and the central elections commission to follow during the period before the run-off, for the Electoral Framework and Administration, and the campaign environment.
The organization underlines that official results are not final, the filing and consideration of election complaints have not been completed, and the results of the second round will not be known for at least the next three weeks. Finally, the credibility and legitimacy of elections are determined by the Georgian people. NDI plans to continue to monitor the election events and, if necessary, will issue further statements.
The organization underlines that official results are not final, the filing and consideration of election complaints have not been completed, and the results of the second round will not be known for at least the next three weeks. Finally, the credibility and legitimacy of elections are determined by the Georgian people. NDI plans to continue to monitor the election events and, if necessary, will issue further statements.
