European and Canadian Parliamentarians Claim Election Fraud in Georgia
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, October 28, 2024
In a joint statement released on October 27, 2024, senior parliamentarians from Europe and Canada expressed grave concerns over the integrity of the recent parliamentary elections in Georgia, declaring them neither free nor fair. They emphasized widespread reports of fraud, manipulation, and intimidation in the lead-up to and during the elections.
The parliamentarians stated that the political climate was marked by significant abuses, including threats against candidates, state power being misused, and the buying of votes. They highlighted that international election observer missions confirmed these irregularities, citing instances of election fraud through intimidation and manipulation of the voting process.
"This election was about Europe or isolation, democracy or authoritarianism, freedom or Russification," they declared, framing the electoral contest as a critical choice for the nation's future. They pointed to the ruling Georgian Dream party's tactics, which they argued played on fears of geopolitical instability, linking the situation in Georgia to broader concerns about Russian influence.
The statement asserted that the policies of the Georgian Dream party are fundamentally incompatible with European Union values, further undermining the legitimacy of the election results. Given the circumstances, the European Union stated it cannot recognize the outcome of the elections.
The parliamentarians called for personal sanctions against individuals responsible for electoral misconduct, intimidation, and threats against opposition parties and civil society. They warned against collective punishments, such as suspending visa liberalization, which could harm the pro-European segments of Georgian society.
Expressing concern about a potential "Belarusification" of the country, they warned of the risk of persecution and suppression of the opposition, independent media, and critical NGOs. They urged the EU to make it clear to the ruling party that such actions would lead to severe consequences, including a complete breakdown of relations.
Despite these challenges, the statement reaffirmed support for President Salome Zourabichvili's efforts to unite the country and uphold democratic principles, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Georgia's European aspirations amid ongoing turmoil.
