The International Republican Institute (IRI) has announced that the organization's short-term observers have arrived in Georgia for the October 26 parliamentary elections, as part of IRI's ongoing international observation mission. The information is distributed by IRI.

According to the "International Republican Institute", the mission is led by former US Congressman John Shimkus, Swedish Parliament member Margaretta Söderfeld and IRI President Dan Twining.

"28 short-term observers will join the 20 long-term observers who have been in the country since July. This will improve the mission's monitoring and evaluation capabilities of the election process

.Short-term observers will observe election day, including the opening of polling stations, voting and vote counting across the country. Their work will strengthen the efforts of long-term observers who, since their arrival in Georgia, have been actively working with the parties involved in the elections, election institutions and representatives of civil society," the information stated.

"The arrival of short-term observers will further strengthen the mission's ability to observe key stages of this important election," said John Shimkus."By paying special attention to the events taking place on the election day, our mission will be able to more fully evaluate the election process and its importance for the future of Georgia. The risks for Georgia, its democracy, the stability of the country and the region cannot be higher than what it is now," he said.

"The country's democratic strength is crucial for the successful continuation of the European integration process," Cederfeld said.

"Our observation mission will help us to evaluate the election day processes and Georgia's observance of democratic norms, which is necessary for Georgia's European future.The way of democratic development of Georgia is the main issue in these elections. "We look forward to election day to make sure that the election process reflects the will of the Georgian people, the majority of whom, according to IRI polls, want to live in a democratic society and have closer ties with the West," Twining said.

According to IRI, Georgia's progress towards EU membership depends on the extent to which the country is able to hold transparent, credible and legitimate elections. According to their own assessment, the results of the elections will play a decisive role in determining the European integration path of the country.

"Soon after Election Day, the Mission will issue a preliminary statement, and a comprehensive report, including detailed analysis and recommendations, will be released in the weeks following the election.

"All activities of the mission are impartial and non-partisan and are carried out without interference in the election process.

IRI has conducted 250 international observation missions around the world, which are recognized for their impartiality and professionalism. The mission is in line with the Declaration on Principles of International Monitoring adopted by the United Nations in 2005.

This international observation mission was made possible with the support of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), within the framework of the Consortium for Strengthening the Elections and Political Process (CEPPS). "The National Democratic Institute (NDI) is also carrying out an international observation mission in Georgia", - it is noted in the information.