The appeal of the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association to election subjects before the second round of the parliamentary elections

The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association continues to observe the second round of the 2016 parliamentary elections. 

On the basis of deficiencies and problems identified as a result of the observation of the first round of elections and the repeat voting, the GYLA gives recommendations to the relevant election subjects and urges them to take all reasonable and relevant measures to contribute to the conduct of the second round of the elections with an even higher quality and in a better environment.

In particular, we call upon:

The election administration:

- To act in steadfast compliance with statutory rules and procedures, to do their best to contribute to and ensure free expression of the voters’ will within their powers;

- To ensure safe and adequate working conditions for observers;

- To ensure the conduct of administrative proceedings in compliance with the requirements of law when adjudicating complaints lodged in connection with the electoral process, including to thoroughly study the violations described in the complaints, to duly examine the evidence, and to take substantiated decisions; to take adequate liability measures according to the gravity of violations; the higher election commissions should proactively study the information about violations identified and take relevant measures;

- The CEC should ensure that copies of summary protocols received from the precincts are immediately uploaded to the website of the CEC, in compliance with the requirements of the Election Code.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs:

- To ensure a calm election environment and to protect the electoral process and election subjects from violence and unlawful acts within its powers and in compliance with the requirements of law.  

Election subjects:

- To exercise particular responsibility for their actions on the polling day and in the post-election period, to refrain from confrontation and violence, as well as from making statements that will encourage or tolerate such incidents;

- To refrain from continuing the malpractice of mobilizing party activists and coordinators in areas adjacent to precincts, which, in a number of cases, constitutes indirect influence on the will of voters.  

Observing and media organizations:  

- To ensure that their representatives conduct themselves in compliance with law and ethics when observing the electoral process, to act within their mandate established by law.

The judiciary:

- To ensure correct interpretation and application of law when adjudicating electoral disputes, to deliver substantiated judgments, and to ensure the administration of justice with regard to electoral issues.