**British Embassy Urges Georgian Government to Invite ODIHR/OSCE to Monitor Municipal Elections**
The British Embassy in Georgia has issued a statement encouraging the country’s government to invite the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to observe this October’s municipal elections. The embassy also called on the government to implement all recommendations made by OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) following the 2024 parliamentary election.
This move comes amid concerns over the Georgian government’s handling of electoral processes, including allegations that civil society organizations were unfairly targeted for funding “propaganda and extremism”. The British Embassy strongly rejected this claim, stating that their support for local election observation groups working to international standards was a legitimate way to promote transparency and accountability in elections.
**A History of Cooperation**
The UK has been a long-standing supporter of Georgia’s democratic development. In 2019, the two countries signed a Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which committed them to strengthening democratic principles, respecting human rights, and promoting judicial reform. As part of this agreement, Article 4 emphasized the importance of cooperation on democratic institutions, while Article 341 highlighted the need to engage civil society in UK-Georgia relations.
**Supporting Civil Society**
The British Embassy has been actively supporting civil society organizations in Georgia, including voter education initiatives and funding for local election observation groups. These efforts aim to promote transparency and accountability in elections, aligning with international standards set by ODIHR/OSCE.
“We reject the current description of our support as funding ‘propaganda and extremism’,” said a spokesperson for the British Embassy. “Nothing could be further from the truth.” The embassy’s statement emphasized that Georgian legislation makes provision for citizen monitoring, an essential part of professional and transparent scrutiny of elections.
**A Call to Action**
The British Embassy is urging the Georgian government to extend an invitation to ODIHR/OSCE to observe this October’s municipal elections. They also hope that Georgia will implement all recommendations made by ODIHR following the 2024 parliamentary election, demonstrating a commitment to democratic principles and transparency in electoral processes.
**A Commitment to Democracy**
The British Embassy’s statement reflects their continued support for Georgia’s democratic aspirations. As the embassy noted, “The hopes and aspirations of the Georgian people are for democracy and freedom.” By promoting transparent and accountable elections, the UK aims to contribute positively to these goals, solidifying their commitment to a strong partnership between the two nations.
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