The PACE delegation is concerned that the polarization of the political space in Georgia has reached an "unprecedented level". This was announced by the head of the pre-election delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Iulian Bulai, at the end of his 2-day visit to Georgia.
The head of the delegation calls on all concerned to refrain from rhetoric aimed at undermining political pluralism, citing calls to ban the opposition as an example.
"Our delegation is concerned that the polarization of the political space has reached an unprecedented level, which has turned the upcoming elections into a de facto referendum on Georgia's democratic trajectory and foreign bias. The delegation shares the concerns of the interlocutors regarding the persecution of demonstrators and dissenting opinions, since these [demonstrations and dissenting opinion] are completely legitimate in a democratic society.
We are also concerned about allegations of attacks on members of the opposition, as well as threats, intimidation and hate speech against members of civil society and the media. I call on the relevant authorities to fully and transparently investigate these allegations.
We also want to express our concern regarding politicized state institutions and media.
We heard concerns about misuse of administrative resources and pressure on public officials, which would affect the level playing field. I call on all persons with interests to refrain from rhetoric, the purpose of which is to undermine political pluralism, for example, calls to ban the opposition, which will significantly deviate Georgia from its obligations stipulated by its membership in the Council of Europe", said Bulai.