Brussels: In a significant move, the European Parliament has called for the recent parliamentary elections in Georgia to be re-run under international supervision, citing substantial irregularities.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the resolution adopted by the European Parliament condemns the October 26 elections in Georgia for not being free or fair, a situation attributed to the ruling Georgian Dream party. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have highlighted severe electoral violations, including intimidation of voters, vote manipulation, and interference with election observers and media. The resolution states that the election results announced by Georgia’s Central Election Commission do not accurately reflect the will of the Georgian populace.
The European Parliament is urging the European Union and its member states to impose personal sanctions on high-level Georgian officials, including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and other key figures such as the Mayor of Tbilisi, Kakha Kaladze, and Sp
eaker of the Georgian Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili. These sanctions are aimed at addressing the democratic decline, electoral law violations, and misuse of state institutions in Georgia. Additionally, the European Parliament is calling for a reduction in formal EU-level contacts with the Georgian government, emphasizing that Georgia’s recent anti-democratic legislation has already hindered its EU integration process.
The European Parliament also condemns Russia’s interference in Georgia’s democratic processes, particularly through disinformation campaigns. MEPs have warned that any attempt by Georgian authorities to ban legally established political parties could further isolate the country from the EU. The policies pursued by the Georgian Dream party are deemed incompatible with Georgia’s aspirations for Euro-Atlantic integration. The resolution was adopted by a majority, with 444 votes in favor, 72 against, and 82 abstentions.