Georgian PM claims OSCE/ODIHR final report confirms elections were “free and competitive” amid public trust concerns

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze asserted that the OSCE/ODIHR’s final report on the October 26 parliamentary elections affirms that the elections were “free and competitive.” However, Eoghan Murphy, head of the observation mission, highlighted that issues outlined in the report “undermined public trust in the process.”

Speaking at a briefing at the government administration on December 20, Kobakhidze downplayed the concerns raised in the report, stating that the OSCE/ODIHR referred only to “isolated violent incidents.” He acknowledged the presence of “critical observations,” including on the secrecy of the vote, but did not elaborate on the report’s specific findings.

“In 76% of polling stations under observation, OSCE/ODIHR found no irregularities whatsoever,” Kobakhidze said. He added that in other cases, “isolated issues” such as improperly filled ballots, inadequately prepared polling stations, vote leaks, and video recording were identified.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the government, led by the Georgian Dream party, is committed to cooperating with OSCE/ODIHR to implement its recommendations. However, he did not address the broader concerns raised in the report regarding the erosion of public trust in the electoral process.

Kobakhidze’s remarks came as the OSCE/ODIHR report continued to draw attention for its critique of significant electoral shortcomings, including frequent legal framework amendments, voter intimidation, and the suppression of post-election protests. Observers have called for urgent measures to restore public confidence in Georgia’s democratic processes.