US and European Diplomatic Leaders Call on Georgia to Investigate Election Violations

After numerous complaints, the Georgian Central Election Commission called on the prosecutor's office to launch an investigation into possible falsification of the parliamentary election results.

According to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell, international observers found violations of the voting procedure and did not recognize the elections as free and fair. He called for a transparent investigation into the incidents, including pressure on voters.

US President Joe Biden also recommended that the Georgian authorities conduct a transparent investigation into all violations. In addition, he recommends repealing the law on foreign agents, which restricts citizens' rights to assembly and expression, and starting a dialogue with all political forces. According to Biden, the parliamentary elections held on October 26 were accompanied by abuse of administrative resources, intimidation and pressure on voters.

"The United States has long supported the Georgian people and Georgia's sovereignty, territorial integrity and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. That is why I am deeply troubled by the country’s recent democratic backsliding, including the passage of legislation that replicates Russian laws that restrict fundamental freedoms and limit the space for independent civil society organizations,” Biden said in a statement.

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