The National Democratic Institution (NDI) says that while the 2021 municipal elections were generally well administered in Georgia, deep flaws in the electoral and, significantly, the political environment, ‘adversely affected the process.’ 

NDI says that the October 2021  municipal elections took place in the context of a protracted political impasse in the aftermath of 2020 parliamentary elections and were seen by many as a litmus test for Georgia’s democratic path. 

“Harsh rhetoric and exchanges of insults dominated the campaign period, while the focus on national-level narratives overshadowed local-level concerns. The responsibility for public skepticism is shared across the political spectrum as partisan gains appear to have been prioritized over the needs of the Georgian public,” NDI said in its recently released report. It says that those who occupy the seats of government bear particular responsibility ‘to bring about inclusive, pluralistic exchange, which is essential to responsive governance that improves people’s lives.’ 

“Good faith efforts to work across the political divide and internal political reflection are required to ensure public confidence in the democratic political process ahead of the next electoral cycle,” NDI said.