Resolution: Under the current political and legal conditions, the municipal elections pose challenges to any potential participant – the self-declared authorities will use such participation as recognition of the new status quo

The upcoming elections do not represent an opportunity to reflect the democratic choice of the Georgian people if the imprisoned and detained leaders of the political opposition are not released and if the elections are not held in an improved electoral environment — this is stated in the amendment to the resolution on Georgia adopted by the European Parliament today.

The document also emphasizes that "the policy of non-recognition of the one-party parliament and the president it appointed must continue until there is tangible change in Georgia's political direction and new free and fair parliamentary elections are held."

"Given the current political and legal conditions, the municipal elections pose a serious challenge to any potential participant who expects free and fair competition. Furthermore, the self-declared authorities will use such participation as recognition of the new status quo. These upcoming elections do not represent an opportunity to reflect the democratic choice of the Georgian people unless the imprisoned and detained opposition leaders are released and the elections are held in an improved electoral environment, overseen by an independent and impartial electoral administration, to ensure a truly fair, free, and transparent process," the resolution states.

The European Parliament once again reaffirms its position that "the political and constitutional crisis in Georgia can only be resolved through new parliamentary elections, to be held in the coming months in an improved electoral environment, under the supervision of an independent and impartial electoral administration, and with diligent monitoring by international and independent local observers, to ensure a truly fair, free, and transparent process that reflects the genuine will of the people."