**UK Embassy Compelled to Cancel Grant Proposals for Georgian Municipal Elections**
The United Kingdom Embassy in Georgia has been forced to cancel planned grant proposals that were aimed at supporting the transparency and competitiveness of the country’s upcoming municipal elections. The decision was made due to uncertainty surrounding the approval process, as per a government decree.
According to the embassy, discussions with the Georgian authorities revealed that the “On the Procedure for Grant Approval” decree has yet to be finalized. As a result, there are no established mechanisms or timelines in place for making grant-related decisions. Despite good-faith efforts from the UK Embassy, they were unable to obtain approval for several projects aimed at supporting civil society voter education and citizen election monitoring.
These initiatives were recognized as valuable by Georgia’s Central Election Commission. However, without a clear framework for grant approvals, the embassy was left with no choice but to cancel the planned proposals. The decision is seen as a setback in efforts to ensure transparency and competitiveness during the upcoming municipal elections.
**A Step Backwards?**
The UK Embassy expressed concern that this year’s municipal elections may not be monitored by professional observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) / Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). In previous elections, the OSCE/ODIHR mission was invited to observe the process. However, this time around, no such invitation has been extended.
The absence of trained international observers could be perceived as a step backwards, potentially eroding public trust in the democratic process in Georgia. The UK Embassy remains committed to supporting democratic development in the country and regrets missing out on an opportunity to contribute to objective, professional, and transparent election monitoring.
**Commentary**
The decision by the UK Embassy to cancel grant proposals is a reflection of the uncertainty surrounding the approval process in Georgia. It highlights the importance of clear regulations and procedures for grant approvals, particularly when it comes to supporting democratic development.
As the country prepares for its municipal elections, the lack of international observers and the absence of necessary mechanisms for grant approvals may raise concerns about the transparency and competitiveness of the electoral process. The UK Embassy’s decision serves as a reminder that a stable and democratic society requires a well-functioning institutional framework.
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