Georgian Parliament official: OSCE/ODIHR invitation aims to ensure transparency, avoid provocation around upcoming elections

David Matikashvili, an MP from the ruling Georgian Dream party and Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s Committee on Procedural Issues and Rules, on Tuesday said “to avoid any provocations and unnecessary speculation”, the Georgian Government had invited the OSCE/ODIHR to observe the upcoming local self-government elections scheduled for October 4.

In his remarks, Matikashvili noted that the Georgian Government would provide “maximum support” to ensure that the observation mission can carry out its work without obstacles.

“There is still sufficient time before the elections, and they are welcome to arrive. All necessary conditions will be created by the state to ensure the full implementation of their observation mission. We are far from thinking that this report will share the same fate as the previous one, but let us wait and see how events unfold”, the Parliament official said.

The Georgian Government has already sent an official letter to OSCE/ODIHR regarding the invitation of an election observation mission.