**New Executive Director for ISFED: Levan Natroshvili Takes the Helm**
After a thorough search, the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) has appointed Levan Natroshvili as its new executive director. This decision comes at the end of Nino Dolidze’s term, who led the organization with dedication and passion. Natroshvili, a seasoned expert in elections and governance, brings nearly 17 years of experience to the role. He has served as ISFED’s deputy executive director since November 2022.
**A Seasoned Expert Takes the Reins**
Levan Natroshvili is no stranger to electoral matters in Georgia. He has co-led local election observation missions for all general elections held in the country since 2012. As a certified election observer and member of the OSCE/ODIHR’s international expert group, he has worked with prominent organizations like the National Democratic Institute (NDI), the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), and the Council of Europe (CoE). His expertise in elections and governance will undoubtedly benefit ISFED as it continues to promote electoral transparency in Georgia.
**A History of Criticism from the Ruling Party**
ISFED, a prominent local watchdog, has been at the center of controversy in recent years. The ruling Georgian Dream party has repeatedly criticized the organization, accusing it of operating on behalf of foreign actors with ill intentions toward Georgia. In the wake of the contested October 26 parliamentary elections, these allegations reached a fever pitch. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze even went so far as to claim that ISFED and its donor, USAID, manipulated observation data to benefit the opposition.
**Debunking Misconceptions**
ISFED has consistently argued that these claims are vastly inaccurate. In response to the allegations regarding the 2024 elections, the organization clarified that the PVT results they reported matched those of the Central Election Commission (CEC) due to observed falsification during the voting process. This highlights the complexity of electoral observation and the importance of accurate reporting.
**A History of Controversy**
ISFED’s credibility was first challenged during the 2020 parliamentary elections, when the organization acknowledged inaccuracies in its PVT results. Although ISFED admitted the mistake and took steps to address it, critics claimed that the error was part of an opposition effort to discredit the election process.
**A Look Ahead**
As Levan Natroshvili takes the reins at ISFED, he faces a challenging landscape. The organization will continue to promote electoral transparency in Georgia, but it must also navigate the complexities of criticism from the ruling party. With his extensive experience and expertise, however, Natroshvili is well-positioned to lead ISFED through these challenges.
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