OSCE's human rights and democratization body publishes analysis of political environment in Georgia

TBILISI, 26 September 2006 - The OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today presented an analysis of the political landscape in Georgia, focusing on inter-party relations and party outreach.

The publication, which is the result of a joint project with the Netherlands Institute for Multi-Party Democracy and the Caucasus Institute for Peace, Development and Democracy, reflects the views and policies of Georgia's six largest political parties. It addresses issues such as human and financial resources, party democracy and membership, women and politics, and international contacts.

"I am impressed with the commitment of the Georgian political parties to a multi-party dialogue and their constructive approach to this project," said Vladimir Shkolnikov, who heads the ODIHR's Democratization Department.

"The parties took ownership of the project from the very outset and the book truly reflects their views."

The project aims to strengthen the democratic practices of the Georgian parties, which required in the first place a thorough analysis and background of current political frameworks in the country.

The analysis also contains a common plan of action for local capacity-building, improving inter-party dialogue and improving the standing of parties in the Georgian society. The action plan was drawn up by the political parties as part of the project, as was a website that that will serve as a shared information resource.

The launch of the book and website is not connected to the ongoing limited observation of the municipal elections in Georgia by the ODIHR.