ENEMO

Interim Reports - Interim report - IEOM to 2024 Parliamentary Elections in Georgia

Interim report - IEOM to 2024 Parliamentary Elections in Georgia

27. Oct. 2024.

ENEMO has released its Interim report on the parliamentary elections in Georgia, emphasizing that the elections are taking place in a polarized and tense political environment.


The report identifies key concerns, including the ruling party’s strong influence on the composition of the Central Election Commission (CEC), the integrity of the information space and ongoing smear campaigns, and the actions of regulatory bodies such as the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the Communications Commission (ComCom). Concerns have also been raised about the use of state resources in the campaign, particularly within the education sector, where pressure on voters has been reported. Despite these challenges, the CEC has met legal deadlines, yet concerns regarding fairness, impartiality, and civic engagement remain.


The ruling party’s influence over the CEC raises questions about the commission’s independence and impartiality, especially following legislative changes that limit consensus-based decision-making. This polarized environment, strained by Georgia's complex relations with the EU and Russia, skews public perception, with disinformation narratives like the “Global Party of War” undermining democratic processes. Incidents of harassment and surveillance of political actors continue to be reported, often unaddressed due to widespread mistrust in law enforcement.


ENEMO notes the misuse of state resources, particularly in the education sector, where instances of voter pressure have been documented. The ruling party’s control over state advertising and restrictions on opposition media access have led to unequal campaign conditions, hampering the outreach of smaller parties. Media independence faces threats as well, with the Communications Commission criticized for its passive approach to hate speech, further contributing to an unstable environment. Disinformation networks, some with ties to Russian interests, add further complexity to the situation.


New election technologies, including voter identification devices and ballot scanners, are being introduced; however, these raise concerns about potential delays and voter confusion due to limited educational efforts and ongoing misinformation. The removal of gender quotas has decreased women’s representation, while the lack of formal mechanisms for ethnic minority inclusion further limits their political representation.


Although electoral dispute mechanisms are active and transparent via online complaint registration, short deadlines for appeals hinder case preparation. By October 13, a total of 113 complaints were filed, mostly related to procedural issues, resource misuse, and campaign violations. Civil society organizations and international observers face growing challenges due to a recent law on foreign influence and smear campaigns, casting doubt on the credibility of election monitoring efforts.


ENEMO remains committed to its mission in Georgia, working towards a fairer electoral framework aligned with international standards. This Interim report sheds light on significant democratic challenges in Georgia and provides a foundation for future recommendations. 


Download the Interim Report in English and Georgian language.