European Parliament Condemns Georgian Elections, Calls for New Vote
The European Parliament issued a scathing rebuke of Georgia‘s October 26th parliamentary elections, deeming them neither free nor fair and representing a further slide towards authoritarianism in the country. The ruling Georgian Dream party was squarely blamed for the undemocratic practices that marred the election.
Electoral Violations and the Suppression of Democracy
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) strongly denounced the numerous and serious electoral violations that plagued the vote. These included documented instances of voter intimidation, vote manipulation, interference with election observers and media, and even reports of tampering with electronic voting machines. The MEPs declared that the vote results announced by Georgia’s Central Election Commission did not reflect the true will of the Georgian people.
They called for the international community to join them in refusing to recognize the legitimacy of the parliamentary elections. The Parliament demanded a new election be held within a year, overseen by an independent administration and subject to thorough international supervision.
Targeting Key Georgian Officials with Sanctions
While supporting the call for an independent international investigation into the alleged election manipulation, MEPs pushed for the European Union (EU) and its member states to implement personal sanctions against Georgian officials and political leaders found responsible for the country’s democratic downturn. This includes violations of election laws, misuse of state institutions, and the erosion of democratic norms.
Specifically named in the resolution were Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, the Mayor of Tbilisi and Secretary General of the Georgian Dream party, Kakha Kaladze, Speaker of the Georgian Parliament Shalva Papuashvili, and former Prime Minister and oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili.
A Freeze in EU Relations
The Parliament urged the EU to significantly curtail formal contacts with the Georgian government and its parliament.
They asserted that Georgia’s recent adoption of anti-democratic legislation, including the controversial ‘law on transparency and foreign influence,’ has effectively suspended its progress towards EU integration.
Russia’s Meddling and the Threat to Georgia’s Future
The European Parliament also condemned Russia’s systematic interference in Georgia’s democratic processes. They specifically cited the spread of disinformation campaigns like the ‘Global War Party’ conspiracy, which falsely alleges that the opposition aims to drag the country into war with Russia under Western influence.
MEPs issued a stern warning to Georgian authorities, cautioning that any attempts to ban legally established political parties would further alienate the country from the EU and make its aspirations for EU membership impossible to achieve.
They concluded that the policies implemented by the Georgian Dream party are incompatible with Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration goals.
Debate and Resolution
The Parliament debated the outcome of Georgia’s latest parliamentary elections with European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas during its November 13-14 plenary session. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 444 in favor, 72 against, and 82 abstentions. The full text of the resolution will be
available here (28.11.2024).
* What are the potential consequences for Georgia if the international community refuses to recognize the election results?
## Georgia Facing Backlash After Contested Elections
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing the fallout from Georgia’s recent parliamentary elections, which have been strongly condemned by the European Parliament. Joining us is Dr. Alex Reed, an expert on Eastern European politics. Dr. Alex Reed, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Alex Reed:** My pleasure. It’s important to shed light on this concerning situation.
**Host:** The European Parliament has issued a very strong statement, calling the elections “neither free nor fair”. Can you elaborate on the specific concerns raised?
**Dr. Alex Reed:** Absolutely. The report from the European Parliament details numerous and serious electoral irregularities. This includes widespread reports of voter intimidation, evidence of vote manipulation, interference with election observers and media, and even alarming allegations of tampering with electronic voting machines [[1](https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2024/762474/EPRS_BRI(2024)762474_EN.pdf)]. The MEPs argue that the official results released by Georgia’s Central Election Commission cannot be considered a true reflection of the will of the Georgian people.
**Host:** This is a serious accusation. What are the consequences for Georgia?
**Dr. Alex Reed:** The European Parliament is calling for the international community to refuse recognition of the election results and is demanding a new election within a year. They want this new election to be overseen by an independent body and subject to rigorous international scrutiny to ensure fairness and transparency.
**Host:** The EU is also considering sanctions against specific Georgian officials. Can you tell us more about that?
**Dr. Alex Reed:** Yes, the resolution specifically mentions Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze among others. The Parliament is calling for the EU and its member states to impose personal sanctions against those deemed directly responsible for undermining democracy in Georgia. These sanctions could target individuals involved in violating election laws, misusing state institutions, and eroding democratic norms.
**Host:** It seems like Georgia is facing a significant political crisis. What do you think the future holds?
**Dr. Alex Reed:** This is a critical juncture for Georgia. The international community is clearly sending a strong message about the need for free and fair elections and respect for democratic values. The Georgian government’s response to these demands will determine whether the country can move forward on a democratic path or risk further isolation and instability.
**Host:** Dr. Alex Reed, thank you for providing us with your expert insights. This is certainly a developing story we will continue to follow closely.