ISFED head accuses gov’t of using election suppression tactics against Georgian Emigrants

Nino Dolidze, head of the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED), accused the Georgian government of voter suppression targeting emigrants during the October 26 elections.

Dolidze shared her concerns on Facebook, stating that authorities intentionally limited voting access for Georgian citizens abroad, a tactic designed to reduce the participation of certain voter groups to gain an electoral advantage.

ISFED head elaborated that this approach, aimed at discouraging specific groups from voting, contradicts democratic principles. She argued that, despite repeated requests, the Central Election Commission (CEC) failed to open additional polling stations in cities abroad with large Georgian communities, even after ISFED pursued legal action to prompt change.

Dolidze also stressed that on election day, many polling stations lacked sufficient staff, leading to long lines that deterred voters. Issues were reported in cities including Stockholm, Berlin, Paris, Madrid, Rome, London, and New York.

“This tactic goes against the universality of elections and highlights a deliberate attempt to limit emigrant participation,” Dolidze wrote, thanking ISFED’s international observers for their commitment and support.