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Minister for Europe, North America and UK Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty, comments on the OSCE ODIHR preliminary findings on the 26 October Georgia elections.

Minister for Europe, North America and UK Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty, said:

The UK supports the OSCE ODIHR preliminary findings on parliamentary elections in Georgia on 26 October, for which the UK contributed 50 short term observers to its monitoring mission.

The report finds the misuse of administrative resources, a highly polarised campaign environment, as well as widespread intimidation and coercion against voters. Along with the impact on civil society of Georgia’s Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence, these are not the actions of an open, democratic society and run contrary to international standards.

The Georgian authorities must investigate all irregularities and reverse this declining commitment to democracy. We will be monitoring this closely together with our international partners, and stand ready to support.