Georgian PM: ‘perhaps OSCE/ODIHR didn’t want another headache - we approach their position with understanding’

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday commented on the OSCE/ODIHR’s position regarding the parliamentary elections, noting that the organisation may have sought to avoid becoming the target of political controversy again.

“As you remember, OSCE/ODIHR once became the object of a storm when it issued its conclusions on parliamentary elections. Perhaps they did not want another headache. We approach their position with understanding,” Kobakhidze told reporters.

The Prime Minister also said that one month had been a reasonable timeframe to assemble the election observation mission.

“As for OSCE/ODIHR, we were waiting for the registration deadlines to expire. After that, the invitation was sent. I believe one month is quite a normal period to put together a mission. It really only takes days. Excessive bureaucracy harms Europe, but within a month it is entirely possible to assemble a mission, go through all the necessary procedures, and carry out the work. Still, I understand this was a serious challenge for OSCE/ODIHR,” Kobakhidze stated.