ISFED: 7 cases of alleged physical violence on political grounds have been detected during the pre-election period

7 cases of alleged physical violence on political grounds have been detected during the pre-election period, - reads the fourth interim pre-election monitoring report of Fair Elections.

According to the report, the main challenges in the pre-election period are pressure and threats against voters, activists and opposition politicians.

"The sharp increase in the number of such cases, as voting day approaches, poses a significant challenge and damages the electoral process. On the one hand, it complicates the communication between politicians and population, and on the other hand, it hinders the free expression and implementation of the will of voters. The cases of physical retaliation is also a challenge, the number of which is increasing as the election day approaches. It is extremely important to conduct a timely, impartial and transparent investigation into the cases of pressure, threats and obstruction and to punish the perpetrators.

On September 28, in the village of Sadakhlo, one of the activists of European Georgia was allegedly shot and wounded in the leg. The victim could not see the attacker. The opposition party linked the incident to the Georgian Dream. On September 27, in Bolnisi, during a conflict between the representatives of the ruling party and the candidates of Power in Unity, several people received physical injuries. In addition, according to the opposition candidate, Irakli Okriashvili, the supporters of the ruling party were shooting in the air with firearms," ​​reads the report.

According to the report, the situation in Bolnisi and Dmanisi districts requires special attention.

"It is essential that law enforcement agencies investigate the cases of violence in a timely and objective manner, and that parties and their supporters refrain from the use of force," reads the report.

The fourth interim report of the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) covers the reporting period from September 6 to September 28.