Georgian Parliament official highlights risks of foreign interference ahead of Hungary’s April 12 parliamentary elections

Levan Makhashvili, the chair of the Georgian Parliament’s European integration committee, on Friday drew attention to the growing significance of foreign interference in elections, while participating in the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s monitoring mission for Hungary’s April 12 parliamentary elections.

Makhashvili described the vote as highly consequential, not only for Hungary but for many countries and the broader international environment.

He noted that members of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly monitoring mission are holding preparatory meetings with candidates and their representatives to better understand their positions and concerns ahead of election day.

“We are in Hungary within the framework of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly monitoring mission. These are very important elections that will determine not only Hungary’s fate, but also the fate of many countries and, in general, the world. Special meetings are being held for observers before the elections, including with candidates and their representatives, where we are introduced to their views”, Makhashvili said.

He further added that foreign interference has emerged as a major concern, emphasising that the issue is not unique to Hungary and has become increasingly visible in recent years.

“Foreign interference is an important issue. This is not characteristic only of Hungary. It became very clearly evident beginning with the elections in Georgia, and today it has effectively turned into one of the most significant problems in almost every election. Therefore, it is important not only to observe elections, but also for all states to take steps in the future to protect electoral processes in such a way that foreign interference - which is a very problematic component of elections today - is no longer an issue”, he concluded.