Constructive and inclusive dialogue involving all political actors and civil society representatives is essential, and we call on all parties to refrain from violence, reads the statement issued by the EU High Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, and the EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, regarding the local self-governance elections held in Georgia.

The statement notes that "the local self-governance elections in Georgia were held this Saturday in an environment of large-scale suppression of differing opinions."

The statement also states that the European Union firmly rejects and condemns disinformation regarding the EU's role in Georgia and likewise condemns personal attacks against the EU Ambassador.

"The local self-governance elections in Georgia were held this Saturday in an environment of large-scale suppression of differing opinions.

Months-long attacks on independent media, the adoption of laws targeting civil society, the imprisonment of opponents and activists, and changes to the electoral code favoring the ruling party have sharply reduced the possibility of holding competitive elections. A large part of the opposition boycotted these elections, and voter turnout was relatively low.

In addition, the Georgian government's refusal to timely invite international observers, specifically OSCE/ODIHR, has harmed the transparency of the electoral process and hindered meaningful and substantive international observation. Local organizations also refrained from observation due to the existing repressive environment.

A large number of people have been continuously protesting the repressive policy of the ruling party, 'Georgian Dream.' We call for the release of all those who were unjustly detained.

We call for calm and restraint in the post-election period and urge the government to protect the freedom of assembly and expression of citizens. Constructive and inclusive dialogue is essential, involving all political actors and civil society representatives, and we call on all parties to refrain from violence.

Finally, the European Union firmly rejects and condemns disinformation regarding the EU's role in Georgia and likewise condemns personal attacks against the EU Ambassador," the statement reads.