Prepared by Messenger Staff
My Vote Reports Widespread Voting Issues for Georgian Emigrants at Polling Stations Abroad
The election observation coalition My Vote reported widespread issues at Georgian polling stations abroad, which they say restricted thousands of emigrants' voting rights. Observing 48 polling stations through 158 monitors, the coalition found significant obstacles for voters throughout the election process.
My Vote detailed issues with overcrowding, insufficient infrastructure, and poor organization at polling stations. At some locations, such as New York, Madrid, and London, the coalition observed only one voting booth for 1,500 voters and one registrar for 1,000 voters-well below Georgian standards, which require one registrar for every 300 voters. Long wait times and inadequate space made it difficult for voters to participate.
The coalition reported high risks to vote secrecy, as poor-quality voting booths often broke or failed to ensure privacy. Observers described chaotic and unsafe conditions for voters, observers, and commission members alike, especially in Berlin, Frankfurt, and Paris.
Polling stations in Milan, Berlin, Rome, and Vienna saw particular issues with electoral lists, where many registered voters found their names missing. Some Milan voters on consular lists were inexplicably absent from precinct lists, barring them from voting. In Berlin and Stuttgart, similar issues prevented numerous eligible voters from casting ballots.
Additionally, unauthorized individuals, including local consuls, were seen at polling stations without official observer status in cities like Tallinn, Frankfurt, and Barcelona. At Frankfurt, Deputy Commission Chair Zurab Kalandadze reportedly verbally abused observers and voters. The coalition argued that the mishandling of the election process by Georgian election authorities and the lack of proper training for precinct staff compromised voters' rights and electoral integrity abroad.
Social Justice Center Criticizes Georgian Government's Silence on Abkhazia, Urges New Peace Policy
The Social Justice Center (SJC) criticized the Georgian Dream (GD) government's "policy of silence and inaction" toward Abkhazia, arguing it lacks a peace strategy for the conflict regions and allows Russia's annexation efforts to go unchecked. The watchdog claims this approach ignores a historic chance to build trust and resolve the conflict, warning that GD's inaction "condones and normalizes" Russian expansion in the region.
Recent opposition arrests and protests against a legislative package in Abkhazia, set for ratification on November 15, would permit Russian "investments" and land ownership in the occupied region, but the Georgian government has remained silent. The SJC stressed that GD's lack of response betrays Georgia's sovereign interests and human rights obligations.
The watchdog urged GD to prioritize Black Sea security by rallying international support and pursuing regional stability. It also condemned GD's anti-European stance, stating that such policies hinder peace efforts and undermine European integration, which could foster trust and dialogue with Abkhazia.
SJC concluded by calling for active discussion among civil society, political parties, and the media to form a new democratic and European-oriented peace policy reflecting the current geopolitical landscape.
