The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) has released an interim report assessing the pre-election environment ahead of Georgia’s October 26, 2024, parliamentary elections. The report provides an overview of the political context, legal framework, and the state of election administration, voter registration, and campaign activities.
A key highlight of the report is the introduction of electronic devices at all polling stations, marking the first time in Georgia’s history that technology will be used to identify voters, count votes, and transmit preliminary results. “For the first time in history, all polling stations will use electronic devices for identifying voters, counting results, determining preliminary results, and transmitting them,” the report stated, underscoring this significant development in the electoral process.
The report also discusses voter rights and registration, with stakeholders expressing general satisfaction with the inclusiveness of voter lists, although some concerns remain. Specifically, inaccuracies have been noted in the lists due to the inclusion of deceased persons and citizens residing abroad.
The pre-election period, the report notes, has been relatively peaceful, with most political campaigns involving door-to-door visits, social media activity, and small-scale events. However, opposition parties have raised concerns about alleged intimidation by ruling party supporters and state agencies, which they claim are interfering with their campaigns and influencing voters.
The campaign rhetoric leading up to the election has been marked by deep political polarization. The ruling Georgian Dream party has framed the election as a choice between “peace and war,” while opposition parties have cast it as a referendum on the country’s geopolitical future. This polarization is reflected in the broader media environment, which remains diverse but highly polarized, with significant influence from political and business interests. The report also notes ongoing defamation cases and threats against journalists.
The interim report also examines the recent actions of Georgia’s Anti-Corruption Bureau. During the campaign period, the bureau initiated in-depth reviews of election financing and required additional reporting from political parties. Although all parties submitted interim financial reports, the bureau has not yet published detailed assessments, as it is not legally obligated to do so until election day.
The broader political landscape in Georgia is characterized by heightened polarization and tensions between the government and the president, which are further fueled by public discontent over controversial laws. Notably, the Foreign Influence Transparency Law, initially withdrawn in 2023 but passed in 2024, has sparked widespread protests and concerns about freedom of association and expression. The report highlights the filing of a lawsuit against the law by the president, lawmakers, civil society representatives, and media organizations.
Another point of concern raised in the report is the adoption of the Law on Family Values and Protection of Minors in September 2024, which has been criticized by international organizations and local stakeholders as a measure that could restrict fundamental freedoms and stigmatize the LGBT community.
The OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission, headed by Ambassador Owen Murphy, began its work in Georgia on September 11, 2024, at the invitation of the Georgian government. The mission includes a core team of 12 experts based in Tbilisi, supported by 30 long-term observers stationed across the country. The mission’s members come from 22 OSCE member states, with women making up 48% of the team. The OSCE/ODIHR has requested an additional 350 short-term observers to monitor election day proceedings.
