International Republican Institute deploys observers ahead of Georgian elections

As Georgia gears up for its pivotal parliamentary elections on October 26, the International Republican Institute (IRI) has announced the deployment of short-term observers (STOs) to enhance its international election observation mission.

Led by former U.S. Representative John Shimkus, Swedish Member of Parliament Margareta Cederfeldt, and IRI President Dr. Daniel Twining, the mission includes 28 STOs joining 20 long-term observers (LTOs) who have been monitoring the electoral landscape since July.

“The arrival of short-term observers will further strengthen the mission’s ability to monitor key stages of this critical election,” Shimkus remarked. “With the heightened focus on Election Day activities in Georgia, our mission will be able to offer a more comprehensive assessment of the electoral process and its significance for Georgia’s future. The stakes for Georgia, its democracy and stability in the country and the region couldn’t be higher.”

The STOs will be deployed nationwide to observe essential Election Day activities, including polling station setups, voting procedures, and ballot counting. Their efforts will complement those of the LTOs, who have been engaging with political stakeholders, electoral institutions, and civil society organizations throughout their time in Georgia.

Cederfeldt emphasized the importance of a robust democratic process, stating, “The strength of Georgia’s democratic process is crucial to ensuring the country continues on its path toward European integration. Our observation efforts on Election Day will provide crucial insight into the integrity of the process and Georgia’s adherence to democratic norms, which are essential for its future in the EU.”

Twining added, “Georgia’s path to democracy is the central question in these elections. We look forward to being on the ground to ensure they reflect the will of the Georgian people, whom IRI polls show overwhelmingly want to live in a democratic society and join the West.”

As Georgia seeks to align itself more closely with the European Union, the outcomes of these elections will be critical in meeting the benchmarks for EU accession, particularly in conducting transparent and credible elections. A preliminary statement on the election will be released shortly after Election Day, followed by a comprehensive report with detailed analysis and recommendations in the weeks to come.

All observer activities will be conducted in a strictly non-biased and nonpartisan manner, in adherence to the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and the Code of Conduct adopted by the United Nations in 2005. This mission is supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and works in conjunction with the National Democratic Institute, which is also conducting an International Election Observation Mission in Georgia.