OSCE/ODIHR begins observation of municipal elections in Georgia

TBILISI, 8 September 2006 - The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened a limited election observation mission for the 5 October municipal elections in Georgia.

"The OSCE/ODIHR believes that it would be useful to observe these elections," said Ambassador Geert Ahrens, who heads the mission, based in Tbilisi. "However, in view of the constrained timeframe and following our consultations with election stakeholders, we do not envisage systematic observation on election day."

In addition, the OSCE/ODIHR has asked the Organization's participating States to send 20 long-term observers to be deployed in the region next week.

On 5 and 6 September, Ambassador Ahrens met with the Speaker of Parliament and the Foreign Minister, as well as election administrators, representatives of political parties and civil society in Georgia in order to advise the OSCE/ODIHR on any possible activity in relation to the recently announced municipal elections.

Pointing to the fact that all interlocutors welcomed an international observation, Ambassador Ahrens added: "However, some expressed concern that the limited timeframe may not permit a meaningful campaign and could hamper an orderly election administration process."

The mission will assess the elections for their compliance with principles for democratic electoral processes and commitments agreed to by all OSCE participating States, as well as national legislation.

Observers will monitor campaign activities, media coverage, the legislative framework and its implementation, the media situation, the work of the election administration and relevant government bodies, and the resolution of election disputes. The OSCE/ODIHR will not be requesting short-term observers.

The OSCE/ODIHR observation mission and the OSCE Mission to Georgia, headed by Ambassador Roy Reeve, operate separately under their specific mandates.