Georgian Parliament official: demands for new elections undermine OSCE's credibility

Maia Bitadze, the Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s Environment Protection and Natural Resources Committee, on Thursday stated that the demand for new elections in Georgia, despite the positive assessment by the OSCE observation mission, undermines the credibility of the OSCE itself.

In her address at the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly session, Bitadze noted that despite existing challenges, Georgia continued to maintain stability.

“I am honored to speak on behalf of Georgia – a country that, despite 20% of its territory still being occupied by Russia, has achieved high economic growth on a European scale. At a time when war is redrawing the borders of our region – from Ukraine to the Middle East – Georgia, despite immense pressure, remains a rare island of calm. We continue to face threats, but we still choose stability over chaos, institutional development over populism, long-term progress over short-term provocations. Preserving peace is vital not only for Georgia but for the entire Black Sea region”, she noted.

She also stated that the diminishing of the OSCE’s role through politicized observation or selective criticism was not only an unfair approach toward Georgia, but also undermined the principles of the Helsinki Final Act and collective security.

“Calling for new elections in Georgia, despite the OSCE observation mission’s positive assessment, damages the credibility and essence of the OSCE itself. Such statements reflect the rhetoric of radical opposition forces – the same forces the Georgian people have rejected – and they put the OSCE’s important role at risk. I urge you to respect the conclusions of the OSCE’s observation mission and refrain from shaking public trust in international institutions”, she said.

Bitadze further noted that recently, critical opinions toward Georgia have been expressed for applying standards that Western countries themselves use to protect their own sovereignty and institutions.

“What is considered a crime in the UK, Sweden, or Canada cannot be portrayed as political persecution in Georgia. This is not only a double standard, but a true expression of cynicism. It undermines international law and weakens public trust in global partners”, Parliament official said.

“Disinformation and external manipulation, along with interference in Georgia’s internal affairs – including our democratic choices – do not contribute to peace or democracy in the OSCE region. On the contrary, they threaten them. I urge you to respect our sovereignty, peace, and international law”, she concluded.