Georgian Parliament official: OSCE/ODIHR not observing upcoming local elections was expected

Levan Makhashvili, the Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s Committee on European Integration, on Tuesday expressed disappointment but not surprise at the OSCE/ODIHR’s decision to decline Georgia’s invitation to observe the upcoming local self-government elections scheduled for October 4.

In his remarks, Makhashvili noted that the OSCE/ODIHR typically focused on parliamentary elections rather than municipal ones, and there was an expectation of external political pressure influencing their decision.

“The OSCE/ODIHR had every opportunity to come if they had the desire and saw the need. To be honest, we expected they wouldn’t come for several reasons. First, as a rule, they observe parliamentary elections. Second, there was an expectation that there would be certain pressure on them from various political forces. There are no fixed deadlines [for preparing to observe elections]; it’s a matter of bilateral agreement, so this is hardly a reason. If the OSCE/ODIHR truly wishes for it, they can make the decision to come”, Makhashvili said.

Despite the refusal, he expressed respect for the OSCE/ODIHR’s decision and urged the organisation to reciprocate by respecting the choices of the Georgian electorate in the upcoming local self-government elections.

“We respect and welcome their decision, and we hope they will also treat the choice of the Georgian people in the municipal elections with respect”, he concluded.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Saturday announced his Government’s decision to invite the OSCE/ODIHR mission to observe the upcoming local self-government elections scheduled for October 4, with a formal letter already sent to the organisation.