International calls for an independent investigation into the conduct of Georgia’s October 26 election are growing, including from EU member states, EU and US officials and the US Helsinki Commission. 

The 2024 parliamentary elections in Georgia have ignited significant controversy, both locally and internationally. With more than 99% of precincts counted, official results from the Central Election Commission give the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party 54.23% of the vote, while the combined total of opposition parties that passed the 5% threshold stands at 37.44%. 

As GD celebrates its victory, the opposition denies the legitimacy of the elections, with observer organisations describing "large-scale" rigging and calling for the annulment of official results. 

While countries including China, Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary have congratulated GD, officials from 13 out of 27 EU member states raised concerns about the legitimacy of the election, calling for independent investigations into numerous allegations of irregularities.

Countries such as France, Poland, Norway, Sweden, Latvia, the Netherlands, and Estonia, among others, have joined in this chorus of concern, highlighting the urgent need for transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

In response to these developments, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has voiced her strong support for a transparent inquiry. She said on October 29: “The people of Georgia have been fighting for democracy. They have a right to know what happened this weekend. A right to see that irregularities are investigated swiftly, transparently, independently. As free and fair elections are at the core of European values.”

Josep Borrell, the high representative of the European Union for foreign affairs and security policy, also called for a transparent inquiry on October 29. He urged the Central Election Commission of Georgia and relevant authorities to investigate reported irregularities, voter pressure, and intimidation that have eroded public trust in the electoral process. Borrell said these issues must be addressed swiftly, transparently, and independently to restore faith in Georgia’s democracy.

From the US, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller addressed the situation at a press briefing on October 28. He echoed sentiments of concern from international observers, stating that the US joins them in calling for a full investigation into reports of election-related violations. 

Miller said that the election environment had been shaped by the ruling party’s policies, which included "misuse of public resources, vote buying, and voter intimidation”, contributing to an uneven playing field and undermining trust in a fair electoral outcome. He urged respect for the fundamental freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly.

The OSCE/ODIHR’s initial assessment noted that the elections “unfolded amid entrenched polarisation in an environment marred by concerns over recently adopted legislation, its impact on fundamental freedoms, and civil society.” 

Critical areas

As high-level officials from the European Commission, US State Department, Helsinki Commission, and other international actors convene to coordinate the best approach for an independent international investigation into the electoral misconduct in Georgia, several critical areas have been outlined for thorough examination. These areas reflect the various violations reported during both the pre-election period and on election day itself.

Pre-election misconduct has raised significant red flags regarding the integrity of the electoral process. One major concern involves conflicts of interest in election committee appointments. Investigations across eight municipalities have uncovered 26 documented cases where immediate family members of high-ranking municipal officials were appointed to key positions within local election committees. This nepotism raises serious questions about political bias, particularly in overseeing the voting process and the counting of votes.

Additionally, there have been instances of misuse of local and municipal resources. Evidence suggests that the ruling Georgian Dream party strategically targeted specific demographic groups with public statements and pre-election promises, implying the manipulation of state resources for electoral gain. Such tactics not only undermine the principle of equal opportunity in elections but also erode public trust in the electoral system.

Election day violations 

Turning to election day violations, numerous irregularities have been reported that further compromise the electoral process. 

These included violations of voter rights. Voter intimidation was widespread, with reports of unauthorised gatherings near polling stations that created a hostile environment for those attempting to vote.

Members of the Election Commission were cited for disciplinary offences, failing to uphold order at polling stations and thereby compromising the integrity of the voting process. Observers also noted instances of voter manipulation, with pre-marked ballots allegedly distributed to sway votes in favour of the ruling party. Additionally, some voters reported receiving multiple ballots without any corrective action from election officials.

Vote-buying was another concerning issue, with documented cases of cash being distributed to voters at various polling locations. There were also instances where local officials disrupted voting activities, further obstructing the election process. Evidence has surfaced of improper recording practices at polling places. Finally, reports indicated that the ruling party organised transportation for voters, busing them to polling stations in an effort to influence election outcomes.

These violations on election day are largely attributed to the conflicts of interest arising from election committee appointments. Many independent observers faced obstruction in their attempts to report irregularities, and voter manipulation tactics, including cash distribution, illegal monitoring by state representatives, and voter intimidation, were closely coordinated with municipal and state officials holding decisive positions on local and district election committees.

Protests in Tbilisi 

In the wake of these results, President Salome Zourabichvili and opposition leaders united in declaring the elections rigged, prompting tens of thousands of peaceful protesters to fill the main avenue in Tbilisi on the evening of October 29. Protesters are calling for an investigation into alleged vote falsifications, with some opposition figures advocating for new elections. However, all factions agree on the urgent need for a serious investigation into the electoral process.

In interviews with international press representatives late on October 28, Zourabichvili stressed the need for robust support from the US and the European Union to reinforce Georgia’s pro-European trajectory and ensure stability in the Caucasus. “We need to have the firm support of our European partners, of our American partners,” she said, underscoring the region's importance to a "powerful Europe."