EU voices concerns over Anti-Corruption Bureau’s decision ahead of Georgian elections

The European Union has expressed concerns regarding a recent decision by Georgia’s Anti-Corruption Bureau that labels several prominent civil society organizations as “entities with electoral goals” just weeks before the parliamentary elections scheduled for October 26.

Peter Stano, spokesperson for the EU, emphasized the “crucial role” that civil society organizations play in fostering democracy and monitoring elections. He noted the potential implications of this decision for the electoral landscape in Georgia.

“We are concerned about the Anti-Corruption Bureau’s decision to recognize Transparency International – Georgia, along with its director Eka Gigauri and the organizationVote for Europe, as entities with electoral goals,” Stano said. “This designation could significantly hinder their ability to operate effectively as independent watchdogs during a critical electoral period.”

Stano highlighted the “urgent need” for these organizations to appeal the decision, given that only one month remains until the elections. He reiterated the EU’s support for a free and open civil society in Georgia, calling on the government to restore a conducive environment for the activities of civil society groups.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau, led by Razhden Kuprashvili, defended its decision, claiming it was based on specific evidence indicating that these organizations were involved in political processes and had allocated substantial resources for their activities. The bureau’s ruling means that the legal restrictions applied to entities engaged in electoral activities will now  extend to these organizations.

Stano urged Georgian authorities to ensure the political independence of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, emphasizing the importance of adhering to recommendations from the Venice Commission regarding the bureau’s operational independence.