OSCE/ODIHR report on Georgia’s parliamentary elections recommends measures to enhance legislative framework

The parliamentary elections in Georgia on 1 October marked an important step in consolidating the conduct of democratic elections in line with OSCE commitments, although certain key issues remain to be addressed, concludes the final report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) released on 21 December 2012.

The report notes that the elections were competitive, with active citizen participation throughout the campaign, including in peaceful mass rallies. However, it notes that the environment was polarized and tense, characterized by the frequent use of harsh rhetoric and a few instances of violence.

The report adds that the distinction between state activities and the campaign of the ruling party was at times blurred.

It assesses the new Election Code as generally conducive for democratic elections, noting that some previous recommendations, including permitting independent candidacy, were implemented. Some shortcomings remain, however, such as the disparity in population sizes among single mandate constituencies.

The report contains recommendations on how to address the deficiencies in the legal framework regulating party and campaign finance, to ensure balanced news coverage during elections and to improve the accuracy of voter lists.

It concludes that, due to the number of issues raised in this and previous reports, consideration should be given to initiating a comprehensive review of the electoral legal framework.

Although some technical and procedural elements can be improved before the presidential election, expected to be held in October 2013, the report notes that significant changes should not be introduced to the legal framework less than a year before that event.