Georgia: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia has sent a letter to the Director of the Democratic Institutes and Human Rights Office of Euto (Odir), Mateo Mekachi, inviting observers to the 2024 parliamentary elections in Georgia.
The letter, dated February 12, 2024, states that the goal of the Georgian government is to hold transparent, free, and fair elections, by international standards and the best democratic practice of Europe. Therefore, the Georgian government invites representatives of Euto/Odir to observe the 2024 parliamentary elections in the country.
The letter also emphasizes that Georgia is ready to contribute maximum to the effective performance of observers of their functions. It adds that Georgia highly values the cooperation with Euto/Odir and appreciates its support for the democratic development of Georgia.
The letter notes that in the government plan for implementing the recommendations of the European Commission, the date for inviting observers is set to be February 2024. The letter expresses hope that Euto/Odir will accept the invitation and deploy a long-term observation mission to Georgia.
The 2024 parliamentary elections in Georgia are scheduled to be held on October 26, 2024. The elections will mark the move to a fully proportional system with a 5% minimal threshold for parties to enter parliament.
The ruling Georgian Dream party, led by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, will seek to get a fourth term in office by winning the election. The main opposition coalition, Victory Platform, will be headed by former president Mikheil Saakashvili, who is currently imprisoned on charges of abuse of power and violence.
The parliamentary elections in Georgia are expected to be closely monitored by the international community, as they will determine the future direction of the country’s political and economic reforms, as well as its relations with its neighbors and partners.
