Eka Gigauri: The OSCE/ODIHR report is even stricter than the interim one – based on this report, the elections held in Georgia were neither free, secret, nor equal

"This report is even stricter than the interim report. It provides more specific facts. Based on this report, the elections held in Georgia were not free, secret, or equal. This is the main takeaway from the report. During the pre-election period, it highlights legislative changes and laws that were adopted and negatively impacted the pre-election environment. Among other things, it mentions the unequal conditions in which political parties operated," said Eka Gigauri, Executive Director of Transparency International Georgia, regarding the ODIHR report on the October 26 elections.

According to her, the OSCE/ODIHR report is one of the grounds for holding snap elections in the country.

"It became evident to OSCE/ODIHR that there were violations and schemes in place on election day. The report also harshly criticizes the conditions created for voters, who were unable to vote freely and feared potential negative consequences for their choices.

The report also addresses the undue influence on public sector employees, as well as voter bribery and intimidation. Additionally, it discusses post-election developments, including what happened in the courts and election commissions, and how disputes were handled—all of which were negatively assessed.

The actions of the police and other institutions during protests were also evaluated negatively.

We reiterate that this is yet another basis for holding new elections in Georgia.

For citizens and organizations observing the election process, these violations were already known, but now the international observation mission has confirmed what we have been speaking about for so long," stated Eka Gigauri.