The Public Defender of Georgia, Levan Ioseliani, and the Central Election Commission (CEC) on Monday jointly called on all political parties and stakeholders to contribute to a fair and peaceful electoral environment ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for October 26.
In a recent statement, Ioseliani and the CEC stressed the significance of the upcoming elections, which will be conducted under a fully proportional system for the first time in Georgia’s history. Additionally, the elections will utilize electronic voting technology, enabling nearly 90 percent of voters to participate.
The statement raised concerns about the increasing prevalence of hate speech and discriminatory practices among electoral subjects. It highlighted that such behavior not only undermined the electoral process but also exacerbated polarization, a trend observed in previous election cycles.
“We urge all political leaders, candidates, and their supporters to uphold high standards of political and civic responsibility. It is crucial that the election campaign remains free from violence and hate speech,” the statement said.
Ioseliani and the CEC also stressed the importance of a well-functioning electoral administration in ensuring the smooth conduct of the elections and building public trust. They called for all parties to support the administration in carrying out its duties in a peaceful and respectful environment.
The statement pointed to the role of the media in monitoring and addressing instances of hate speech during the election campaign. Media representatives were encouraged to provide critical coverage and clarification on such issues.
