Young Georgian Lawyers’ Association started the monitoring of local self-government electios pre-election processes

Starting from today, June 1, 2017 the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association started the monitoring of local self-government elections pre-election processes. Although the pre-election campaign is not officially launched yet, the events that precede the pre-election campaign are the subject of observation for the organization. 

Within the frameworks of the project, GYLA will monitor pre-election processes through central and 8 regional offices in Tbilisi and 9 regions of Georgia: Kakheti, Kvemo Kartli, Shida Kartli, Samtskhe-javakheti, Samegrelo, Achara, Guria, Imereti and Mtskheta-mtianeti with the involvement of up to twenty monitors.

GYLA representatives focus on issues, such as:

- Using administrative resources; 

- Illegal participation/agitation in pre-election campaign;

- Pressure/intimidation/menace/physical violence on voters;

- Vote buying;

- Composition of election commissions;

- Dismissal from work place on alleged political grounds;

- Funding elections subjects;

- Interference in journalistic activities;

- Other issues

In the process of monitoring GYLA representatives will study the activities of state agencies (election administration, Audit service, Interagency Commission, Law enforcement organs and Court) involved in elections and will observe how transparently, objectively and protecting political neutrality will the mentioned agencies work.  

GYLA monitors obtain information on alleged violations though different sources, including, through requesting information from public institutions, also through monitoring information disseminated via mass media. Citizens, political parties and candidates will have opportunity to apply to GYLA Tbilisi and regional offices and inform GYLA observers regarding alleged violations. 

The representatives of the organization will verify each case directly with applicants and the persons who may have significant information regarding the case. And if the violation is revealed, will apply to election administration or other proper agencies for response.

GYLA will inform the society on violations revealed during the election period, also will publish report of pre-election monitoring prior to voting day.  

Monitoring of pre-election processes is conducted within the frameworks of project – Young Lawyers for free and fair local self-government elections 2017. The project is carried out by National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and is aimed at improving election environment and increasing transparency of election processes.