European Parliament Declares Georgia’s Election Invalid, Calls for Re-Run
The European Parliament has called for a re-run of Georgia’s recent parliamentary election, citing significant irregularities that render the results invalid. A vote concluded with 444 MEPs in favor of the motion, emphasizing that the election was neither free nor fair, necessitating a new election under international supervision within a year.
The European Parliament has designated the recent parliamentary election in Georgia as invalid, asserting that it was marred by significant irregularities. During a session in Strasbourg, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voted overwhelmingly, with a tally of 444 in favor and 72 against, to recommend that the election results not be considered a true reflection of the electorate’s will. Consequently, the Parliament has urged for the election to be reiterated within a year, under international oversight.
In the aftermath of a contentious and generally criticized election, the authority of the Georgian government is being scrutinized due to concerns regarding its increasing authoritarianism. The election, which took place amidst widespread allegations of electoral malpractice, raised alarms among international observers who noted systematic issues such as voter intimidation and illicit practices including vote buying and ballot tampering. These issues prompted the European Parliament’s resolution, aiming to restore democratic integrity in the Georgian electoral process.
The resolution passed by the European Parliament serves as a pivotal statement regarding democratic practices within Georgia. It reflects a profound concern over the state of electoral integrity and governance in the nation, emphasizing the necessity for a re-run of elections to ensure a legitimate expression of the public’s will. Ensuring that future elections are conducted under stringent international supervision is critical for re-establishing trust in Georgia’s democratic institutions.
Original Source: www.politico.eu
