Georgia local elections 2021: ODIHR election observation mission final report

Georgia’s 2021 local elections were competitive and transparent, but took place in the increasingly polarized atmosphere of a protracted political crisis. Contestants were able to campaign freely, although the environment was marred by widespread allegations of vote-buying, pressure on candidates and voters, and an unlevel playing field. These are some of the main conclusions after last year's two-round local elections, as detailed in the final report published by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

The report offers 20 recommendations to improve the conduct of elections and increase the transparency of and public confidence in the electoral process.

Key recommendations include:

• Not exercising pressure on voters or candidates to increase public confidence in the electoral process and create a free and fair campaign environment;
• Taking steps to investigate all allegations of intimidation, coercion and vote buying and educate voters on their rights;
• Adjusting timeframes for submitting applications and selecting polling station commission members to allow for proper review of application documents;
• Enforcing the legal and institutional framework for combating the misuse of administrative resources, including the misuse of public office in the campaign;
• Taking further measures to strengthen the effectiveness of campaign finance oversight, and ensure the independence of the oversight body;
• Protecting the safety of journalists through prompt investigation of attacks or ill-treatment of journalists and other media actors;
• Not artificially increasing the presence of political parties in polling stations by abusing the framework for election observation;
• Revising the legal framework following a broad, inclusive and timely consultation, to ensure a coherent and stable electoral framework in line with OSCE commitments and international standards.

The ODIHR Election Observation Mission to the 2 October 2021 local elections in Georgia commenced its work on 26 August 2021, and observed both rounds of the elections held on 2 and 30 October. The mission remained in country until 2 November.

All 57 countries across the OSCE region have formally committed to follow up promptly on ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations.