Observer Mission of the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development [GUAM] released a statement on local elections in Georgia.

“Following the invitation of the authorities of Georgia, the Observer Mission of the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development – GUAM took part in the municipal elections, held on October 2, 2021.

The municipal elections in Georgia were organized and conducted following the international obligations and standards for democratic elections, including the OSCE and the Council of Europe commitments and standards and the national legislation, rules, and procedures elaborated by the Central Election Commission of Georgia.

Elections were organized and held on a competitive basis in a calm and orderly manner. Prescribed voting procedures were strictly followed, the balloting process was well organized and transparent. At some polling stations, new procedures and the pioneer electronic voting were introduced to eliminate the possibilities of manipulations. The turnout of the voters at the observed polling stations was relatively high.

Judged by the monitoring results of the organization and administration of the electorate process on the day of voting, the GUAM Observer Group concludes that fundamental rights and freedoms were overall observed and ensured. The municipal elections can be assessed as free and fair”, - reads the statement of GUAM Observer Group.