Georgian PM cites “bullying” by radical opposition for OSCE/ODIHR’s absence at upcoming local elections

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday said the OSCE/ODIHR’s decision not to send an election monitoring mission to Georgia was unsurprising, citing pressure from the radical opposition and their foreign supporters, and confirmed that his Government expected their presence for the 2028 parliamentary elections.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze referenced Georgia’s history with the OSCE/ODIHR, noting that inviting the organisation about one month before elections had been an established practice since 2008.

“There was sufficient time here as well, but I will repeat once again that we are not surprised by the OSCE/ODIHR’s decision not to come to Georgia given the so-called bullying they faced from the radical opposition and their foreign supporters”, Kobakhidze said.

The Prime Minister reassured that Georgia anticipated full participation of the OSCE/ODIHR observers in future elections, specifically the October 2028 parliamentary vote.

“On such a backdrop, it is not surprising to anyone that the OSCE/ODIHR refrained from coming to Georgia, but we expect them for the October 2028 parliamentary elections”, he concluded.

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Wednesday criticised the OSCE/ODIHR for declining to send an election observation mission for upcoming local elections scheduled for October 4, claiming that the decision was intended to prevent a positive conclusion that would leave the opposition without complaints.

The Georgian Government formally invited ODIHR to observe the October 4 elections on September 6, while Prague extended its invitation for the Czech vote on September 2. However, on September 9 it became known that ODIHR had declined to send a mission to Georgia, citing lack of time.

The decision not to send observers to Georgia’s elections has raised questions, particularly since ODIHR has previously deployed missions on shorter notice.