European Ministers Condemn Election Violations in Georgia, Demand Accountability
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
In a unified response to recent elections in Georgia, a coalition of European ministers has expressed deep concerns over violations reported by international observers during both the campaign period and election day itself. The group of European leaders emphasized the importance of adhering to international norms for free and fair elections, demanding that Georgian authorities conduct an impartial inquiry into the reported irregularities and ensure appropriate remedies are implemented.
The ministers condemned any infringement on electoral integrity, describing it as incompatible with Georgia's aspirations toward European Union membership. They highlighted that maintaining rule of law and upholding electoral standards are essential for Georgia's EU pathway, stressing that deviations from these principles betray the legitimate European aspirations of the Georgian people.
Additionally, the coalition called for peaceful protests and government responses, underscoring the need for restraint to avoid any escalation of tensions. They also voiced criticism of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's recent visit to Georgia, stressing that his actions did not represent the broader EU stance on the situation.
"We are deeply concerned about the current situation in Georgia. International observers reported violations during the election campaign as well as on election day. We condemn all violation of international norms for free and fair elections. We share their concerns and demand an impartial inquiry of complaints and remedy of the violations established. We stand in this difficult time at the side of Georgians. It is important that protests and in particular government reaction to them remain peaceful. The violations of electoral integrity are incompatible with the standards expected from a candidate to the European Union. They are a betrayal of the Georgian people's legitimate European aspiration. Upholding the rule of law and free and fair elections is integral to any progress on Georgia's EU path. We criticize Prime Minister Orban's premature visit to Georgia. He does not speak on behalf of the EU." the statement reads.
The statement was jointly issued by a coalition of ministers from Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Ireland, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, and Sweden.
