GYLA prepared long-term observation mission’s second interim report on 2020 Parliamentary Elections

In the framework of the long-term observation mission, GYLA monitors the pre-election environment with the assistance of its nine regional monitors in Tbilisi, Adjara, Guria, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, Imereti, Shida and Kvemo Kartli, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, and Kakheti regions.

The second interim report for 2020 Parliamentary elections covers the results of monitoring for the period of September. The document provides analysis of identified violations, as as well as the cases, that do not themselves constitute an offense, but are negative practices.

Overall, GYLA’s observers identified following cases:

- One case of ignoring the requirement to separate the state and political party;

- One case vote-buying;

- Eleven cases of threat and violent actions;

- Three cases of hampering pre-election agitation.

The personification and affiliation of the governmental programs with a particular party remains challenging. There actions have been observed as a part of pre-elections campaign of the ruling party along with manipulation of the voters.

The highlights of September were the acts of violence which took alarming turn during confrontation occurred in Bolnisi and Marneuli. In addition to these events,  GYLA observed several cases of threats and attacks on opposition party activists („United National Movements” “Lelo”, “Strategy Builder” “Labour Party”). All cases imply the elements of the criminal offences.

Similar to the previous reporting period, the cases of hampering pre-election agitation were recorded (“Lelo” and “Democratic Movement – United Georgia”). GYLA believes that such incidents harm the equal election environment.

Additionally, the report includes the information on breaching the eletion law by several Municipalities.

GYLA continues to monitor the electoral envrionment of the 2020 Parliamentary Elections in Georgia and will prepare further analysis that will be presented to the public.

The report was prepared by GYLA with the financial support of Open Society Georgia Foundation (OSGF). The contents of this report are the sole responsibility of GYLA and do not necessarily reflect the views of the donor organization.

For further information please refer to the report.