Georgian PM criticises 'radical opposition', international actors over OSCE/ODIHR election report

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has criticised both the country’s “radical opposition” and certain international actors for attacking the OSCE/ODIHR’s assessment of Georgia’s parliamentary  elections last year, saying their position “must be clarified” before the organisation is invited to observe upcoming municipal polls later this year.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Kobakhidze said the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) had “become the target of political attacks” following its report on the last elections.

“First, it was the radical opposition, and then other international actors who attacked the OSCE/ODIHR for its previous election conclusion,” Kobakhidze said. “It is important to understand whether these same people now recognise that conclusion.”

He added that the government would only consider discussing the ODIHR’s involvement in future elections after hearing a “clear position” from both domestic opposition parties and the international community over the organisation’s earlier findings.

“Only after we know their stance on last year’s report can we move forward with any discussions about inviting the OSCE/ODIHR,” the PM said.