France, Germany, and Poland have called for a prompt and transparent investigation into alleged irregularities in Georgia’s recent elections.
In a joint statement, leaders Emmanuel Macron, Olaf Scholz, and Donald Tusk expressed concerns over reported voter intimidation and numerous irregularities that have eroded public trust in the election process.
“We urge a swift and transparent investigation into all complaints and reports of election-related issues, and we will carefully review the final report from the international observation mission when it is available,” they stated.
Regarding Georgia’s European aspirations following the October 26 elections, they warned, “Unless Georgia changes its course and demonstrates significant reform efforts, particularly by repealing recent laws that contradict European values, we cannot support opening accession negotiations.”
A few days after the parliamentary elections, Georgia’s prosecutor’s office launched an investigation into alleged “falsification” of the results, which showed the ruling party’s victory despite opposition claims of electoral fraud.
The ruling Georgian Dream party secured around 54% of the vote, while its closest competitors, the Coalition for Change and Unity-National Movement, garnered 11% and 10.1%, respectively.
Georgian Dream officials, including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and party chairman Bidzina Ivanishvili, have accepted the results, but President Salome Zourabichvili has rejected them, accusing the election of being a “Russian special operation.” Opposition parties have called the election “stolen.”
