EU High Representative Calls for Investigation into Georgia's Election Irregularities
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, October 31, 2024
On October 30, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, and European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, held a press conference regarding the EU's 2024 Enlargement Report. In his address, Borrell voiced serious concerns over recent Georgian parliamentary elections, urging an investigation into significant irregularities that he argued indicate a troubling departure from EU principles.
"Georgia has conducted parliamentary elections which were marked by serious irregularities," Borrell stated, stressing the need for "a transparent and independent" investigation. He noted that while independent observers did not declare the elections entirely free or fair, the reported irregularities are numerous and require thorough examination to determine their impact on results. This call for scrutiny aligns with the EU's ongoing demands for reforms and transparency in Georgia's electoral processes.
Highlighting the broader implications, Borrell warned that these elections "consolidate a trend" observed in recent months where Georgian authorities have moved the country "away from the European Union, away from its values and its principles." The 2024 Enlargement Report, he added, outlines a "clear path for reengagement" should Georgian leaders demonstrate renewed political commitment.
The report specifies that the repeal of controversial legislation, such as the Law on Foreign Influence and the Family Values law, will be pivotal. These laws, Borrell argued, have a chilling effect on civil society and contradict EU principles, particularly regarding media freedom and anti-discrimination. He emphasized that addressing these concerns would demonstrate a concrete commitment from Georgia to re-align with EU standards.
During the Q&A, Borrell also responded to questions regarding Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's recent visit to Georgia, clarifying that it fell within the framework of Hungary's bilateral relations with Georgia, independent of EU foreign policy. Borrell reiterated the EU's position, underscoring expectations for Georgia's Central Election Commission to address the irregularities reported by election observers. These issues, he noted, were pervasive not only on election day but also in the lead-up to it, marred by voter intimidation, ID confiscation, and procedural inconsistencies, particularly affecting public sector employees.
