PM claims peaceful election, but observers report widespread violations
Date: 8 November 2024
In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated that the parliamentary election voting process unfolded in a peaceful environment, emphasizing that “irregularities happen everywhere, in every country.”
“If you look at the reports [from international observers in other countries], there are many irregularities in many countries, but the general picture is the most important one…. Out of the 3,111 precincts, there were incidents happening in just a couple of precincts. In more than 3,100 precincts, the environment was completely peaceful. There were a couple of provocations, [but] these incidents can happen,” Kobakhidze asserted.
However, both local and international organizations monitoring the elections in Georgia offered assessments that contrasted starkly with the Prime Minister’s remarks.
My Voice
A coalition of non-governmental organizations, My Voice, which monitored the October 26 elections, reported collecting hundreds of photos, videos, and audio recordings showing election violations.
“During the election day, we received more than 900 reports from our observers from 1,131 polling stations about violations of election procedures. In 196 precincts where our representatives observed the elections, significant violations had a repeated, continuous, and systematic nature, which had a substantial impact on the results of the elections,” the statement read.
According to the organization, the collected evidence indicates pre-planned, organized, large-scale fraud, with preparations beginning long before the election day.
International Society for Fair Elections And Democracy (ISFED)
On October 31, the election observation organization ISFED announced that it had identified a total of 490 incidents and violations during the October 26 parliamentary elections. According to the organization, the majority of these (297) occurred at polling stations within Georgia, with fewer (167) reported in the vicinity of the stations, and even fewer abroad.
“The fundamental violations observed during the pre-election period and on election day in the 2024 parliamentary elections compromised voters’ expression of their free will. The election results therefore cannot be regarded as a true reflection of the will of Georgia’s voters,” stated ISFED, which deployed hundreds of observers.
OSCE/ODIHR
The OSCE/ODIHR Observation Mission released its preliminary findings on the October 26 elections, noting that in 6% of the 1,924 cases observed—a substantial number—the process was assessed negatively. This was primarily due to reported pressure and intimidation of voters, which in some instances led to tension, disorder inside polling stations, and overcrowding.
The mission also reported that in 24% of observations, the secrecy of the vote was potentially compromised, either by voters visibly placing ballots in the ballot box or, in 7% of cases, by issues related to the arrangement of the polling station and table setup.
Helsinki Commission
The US Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, responded swiftly to reports of alleged fraud in Georgia’s parliamentary elections, stating that the “clear evidence” presented indicated “systemic violations.”
“In the days following the Georgian parliamentary elections, Georgian civil society, politicians, and observers presented clear evidence that the election results do not reflect the will of the Georgian people. Independent data collected by third parties and local observers points to systemic violations both in the run-up to the election and on election day, which affected the integrity of the election,” wrote the Helsinki Commission.
IRI and NDI
On October 27, the American organizations International Republican Institute (IRI) and National Democratic Institute (NDI), which conducted a joint observation mission in Georgia, held a press conference.
Margareta Siderfeld, a member of the delegation who sits in the Swedish Parliament, stated that Georgian Dream had control over numerous local self-government representatives. “There was intimidation, suggesting that if local residents didn’t vote for the ruling party, they would lose access to social assistance,” Siderfeld noted.
She added, “The composition of the CEC and the recent cancellation of the appointment of an opposition-nominated deputy chair raise serious concerns about political bias and imbalance in election commissions. These changes have significantly eroded public confidence in the Election Commission’s independence and impartiality.”
Another delegation member, John Shimkus, commented: “Observers witnessed numerous instances where voters’ ID cards were collected by Georgian Dream representatives, creating psychological pressure and facilitating a vote-buying scheme. This led to an environment of fear, as reported by various NGOs.”
“There were issues with vote secrecy, systemic pressure, and repression, all contributing to a climate of fear,” he continued. “Isolated incidents included vote-buying, repeat voting, violence, and failure to verify markings. However, the counting process itself was calm, and preliminary results were transmitted according to procedures at the district level.”
US President
A few days after the elections, the White House issued a statement regarding the elections in Georgia. President Joe Biden noted that the election process had been impacted by a number of irregularities.
“Georgia’s October 26 parliamentary elections were marred by numerous recorded misuses of administrative resources as well as voter intimidation and coercion. Georgian citizens have a right to peacefully express their views regarding the conduct of these elections, which independent international and domestic observers have not said were free and fair,” Biden stated.
EU High Representative
The European Union’s High Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, also commented on the alleged violations.
The parliamentary elections “were marked by serious irregularities, and this needs to be investigated and addressed in a transparent and independent manner.… It is important to remark that independent observers have not declared the elections to be free or fair, neither the contrary. So we are in a [situation] that requires investigation in order to clarify what has happened… and how this has been affecting the result,” Borrell said.
POLITICAL ANALYSIS
The question of electoral legitimacy lies at the heart of democracy, directly influencing both domestic stability and engagement with international institutions. In Georgia’s 2024 parliamentary elections, claims of systematic electoral fraud and intimidation tactics have cast a shadow over the results, raising significant concerns among both local and international observers. With the ruling party, Georgian Dream, securing a majority vote amid these allegations, the local opposition parties rejected the results, while various other countries refrained from recognizing the outcome. In countries like Georgia, where aspirations for closer ties with the West are tempered, the legitimacy of elections transcends local politics, impacting foreign aid, international alliances, and the country’s reputation on the world stage.
Electoral legitimacy is essential for any government’s credibility and authority. In democratic societies, the perception that elections are fair and representative is foundational. Without it, public trust erodes, leading to social unrest, political polarization, and ultimately a weakened state. This legitimacy is especially crucial for Georgia, a nation balancing its aspirations for European Union (EU) and NATO integration with internal polarization, illiberal tendencies, and external pressures, notably from Russia. When elections lack credibility, as has been alleged in Georgia’s recent parliamentary elections, this can lead to isolation from Western allies and provide openings for foreign powers—particularly Russia—to influence Georgia’s political trajectory.
The West, including the EU and the United States, has sometimes shown leniency toward minor election irregularities, particularly in fledgling democracies transitioning from authoritarian rule. However, this acceptance depends on the scope and nature of these irregularities. Marginal administrative lapses or isolated misconduct may be overlooked if the general integrity of the process remains intact, as stability is often prioritized over immediate perfection. Yet, systemic issues—such as media restrictions, voter intimidation and fraud, and misuse of state resources, as reported by OSCE/ODIHR and reiterated by US President Joe Biden—shift the threshold for Western tolerance. In Georgia’s case, the EU and several Western countries have refrained from recognizing the results due to the severity of the allegations.
Instances of Western non-recognition have often had serious repercussions. In Belarus (2020), where elections were marred by fraud and violence, the EU and US refused to recognize the results, isolating Belarus internationally and leading to its near-total dependence on Russia. Similarly, in Venezuela (2018), Nicolás Maduro’s contested reelection led to widespread rejection, sanctions, and intensified political and economic crises, reinforcing international support for the opposition. In Myanmar (2021), the military’s takeover and nullification of election results drew swift Western condemnation and sanctions, exacerbating Myanmar’s isolation. In Zimbabwe (2008), pressure from the West over contested election results led to a power-sharing deal, illustrating how non-recognition can sometimes drive positive democratic outcomes.
In the Georgian case, the ruling party’s actions are viewed by many through the lens of “Kremlin-style” tactics, not only for the systematic electoral fraud and breach of constitutional rights (to secrecy and the right to vote), but also for misusing allegedly nonpartisan state institutions, stoking fears, and framing elections as battles for national identity or sovereignty. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s defense of the election results as expressions of the Georgian people’s will contrasts sharply with statements from Baltic, Nordic, and North American leaders who denounced the process as neither free nor fair.
Contested legitimacy has deep implications. Governments perceived as illegitimate struggle to secure foreign investment, maintain internal stability, and attract international aid, as donors often make their support conditional on adherence to democratic standards. Sweden, one of Georgia’s largest aid providers, has already suspended assistance due to election irregularities, while other nations have hinted at similar actions. This curtails Georgia’s economic outlook and raises the likelihood of further isolation from EU partners, complicating its Western integration. Furthermore, countries like Estonia and Lithuania have voiced concerns that Georgia, without a credible democratic process, risks drifting back toward Russian influence, a prospect that runs counter to the aspirations of many Georgians and pro-Western factions within the country.
Given these high stakes, gathering credible evidence of electoral fraud is essential. Documenting and publicizing irregularities can substantiate claims, support international interventions, and empower civil society to demand accountability. This is especially critical in environments where regime-controlled media may obscure election coverage. Verified evidence helps align international support with democratic initiatives, while pressuring governments to address the grievances of their citizenry.
In conclusion, the 2024 Georgian parliamentary election controversy underscores the vital role of electoral legitimacy in fostering both domestic and international stability. Georgia's credibility, its alliances, and its Euro-Atlantic aspirations depend on transparent and accountable governance. Without these, the nation risks isolation and an uncertain future, jeopardizing its place in the Western-aligned community it seeks to join.