Parliamentary Elections, 8 October and 30 October (second round) 2016

Following an invitation from the authorities of Georgia to observe the upcoming parliamentary elections, based on the findings and conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission, and in accordance with its mandate, the OSCE/ODIHR has deployed an Election Observation Mission (EOM) for these elections.

Long-term observation

The OSCE/ODIHR EOM, headed by Ambassador Alexandre Keltchewsky, consists of 12 international experts based in Tbilisi. In addition, 26 long-term observers will be deployed throughout the country from 7 September. LTO deployment was reviewed for the observation of the second round of elections

The OSCE/ODIHR EOM will assess the parliamentary elections for their compliance with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections, as well as with national legislation. Observers will closely monitor candidate registration, campaign activities, the work of the election administration and relevant governmental bodies, election-related legislation and its implementation, the media environment, and the resolution of election-related disputes.

Short-term Observers

The OSCE/ODIHR has requested participating States to second three hundred and fifty (350) short-term observers (STOs) to observe voting, counting and the tabulation of results.

For the second round of elections, the OSCE/ODIHR has requested participating States to second one hundred and twenty (120) STOs to observe voting, counting and the tabulation of results. Please consult the information sheet. STOs need to register on the database at STO database.

Election day

The OSCE/ODIHR has requested 350 short-term observers to be deployed immediately prior to the 8 October elections. The short-term observers will be deployed throughout the country in multinational teams of two to monitor the opening of polling stations, the voting, the counting of ballots, and the tabulation of results.

The day after the elections, ODIHR, together with its parliamentary partners, will issue a statement of preliminary findings and conclusions at a press conference. A final report on the observation of the entire electoral process will be issued approximately eight weeks after the end of the electoral process.

Co-operation with Other Partners

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and the European Parliament (EP), among other parliamentary partners are planning to deploy observer delegations for these elections.

Previous elections

The OSCE/ODIHR has observed twelve elections in Georgia, most recently the 2013 presidential election.