Permanent Representative of Norway to OSCE: Georgia needs a functioning parliament and functioning parliamentary opposition
By Khatia Bzhalava
Tuesday, December 1
On November 27, the Ambassador of Norway to the OSCE Anne-Kirsti Karlsen delivered a speech at the Permanent Council in Vienna, where she positively assessed October 31 Parliamentary Elections in Georgia. “Norway commends Georgia’s efforts to organize elections in a transparent way during a challenging pandemic situation,” said the Ambassador.
Karlsen noted that Norway supports the conclusions in the preliminary joint statement of ODIHR and the parliamentary assemblies of the OSCE, Council of Europe, and NATO regarding the first round of Parliamentary Elections held in Georgia and looks forward to the final report.
Ambassador Karlsen expressed regret over the opposition parties boycotting the parliament and the second round of the elections and stated that Georgia needs a functioning parliament and most importantly functioning parliamentary opposition “this is especially important in a time when the country is facing serious challenges due to the pandemic.” She called on every political party to find mutual ground and enable the new and more diverse parliament to fulfill its full role in Georgia’s democracy.
The ambassador paid attention to the revealed deficiencies detected by local and international observers during elections.
“Shortcomings in the electoral process identified by local and international observers must be addressed, and the responsible authorities must swiftly investigate all allegations in an impartial and transparent manner, and resolve them in accordance with the law in a timely way. The identified shortcomings show that there is a need for further efforts to consolidate democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.”
Karlsen also positively assessed the efforts of the Government of Georgia and ODIHR to carry out an election observation mission against the background of the pandemic.
“Norway will continue to stay closely engaged, and we remain steadfast in our support for Georgia’s democracy and European path,” concluded the ambassador stated at the end of her speech.
