Georgia invites OSCE/ODIHR to observe local elections

Georgia has formally invited the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) to observe the upcoming local self-government elections, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced at a briefing.

Kobakhidze said a letter had already been sent to the OSCE/ODIHR and stressed that the government is ready to provide all necessary conditions for the mission to carry out its work, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media. 

“The Georgian government confirms its full readiness to create all conditions for the OSCE/ODIHR mission to fully observe the elections, as is tradition,” he stated.

The prime minister noted that the deadline for candidate registration had recently closed, with some opposition parties choosing to boycott the polls. He added that, despite past criticism of OSCE/ODIHR assessments of Georgian elections, his government opted to issue the invitation to ensure transparency.

“We made a decision to invite the OSCE/ODIHR mission to observe the local self-government elections, in connection with which a corresponding letter has already been sent,” Kobakhidze said.

The local elections are scheduled for later this year, with several opposition parties, including Lelo and For Georgia, fielding mayoral candidates in 37 of the country’s 64 election districts.

By Sabina Mammadli