IRI Releases Pre-Election Assessment Report on Georgia

  • Preston Lindler

IRI is proud to announce the release of its first interim election assessment report ahead of Georgia’s October 8th parliamentary elections.

IRI’s long-term election observation mission deployed to Georgia on August 1, and will remain in place through the second round elections, anticipated to take place in late October or early November.  The team is based in seven regional cities (Tbilisi, Batumi, Zugdidi, Kutaisi, Akhaltsikhe, Rustavi and Telavi), and includes representatives from ten different countries.  More specific information on the mission can be found HERE

The interim report covers August 1 – August 25, 2016, and provides an in-depth look at the Georgian election environment so far. Here are a few selected findings:

IRI’s observers have noted several matters of concern related to the use and abuse of administrative resources by the sitting government.  However, the process so far has generally been very calm, even in the eyes of the opposition.  This is an important election for Georgia, and both the Georgian government and opposition have repeatedly stated how crucial it is that the balloting be conducted in a fair and transparent manner so that Georgia’s path towards democracy proceeds at a strong pace.  

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