**Georgia’s Prime Minister Pushes Back Against OSCE/ODIHR Observation of Local Elections**
In a statement made to journalists, Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has expressed his opposition to the British Embassy’s call for an OSCE/ODIHR mission to observe local elections. The move is seen as a response to the embassy’s recent statement urging the Georgian government to invite the mission to observe the upcoming municipal elections.
**Standard Practice vs Exception**
Kobakhidze noted that, according to standard practice, the OSCE/ODIHR mission is only invited for parliamentary elections, not local ones. He cited exceptions in other countries where the mission was invited for local elections, but emphasized that these are rare occurrences. In 2021, Georgia did invite the OSCE/ODIHR for local elections related to parliamentary polls, but Kobakhidze argued that this was an exception rather than the rule.
**Concerns Over Cooperation with UK**
The Prime Minister also highlighted concerns over cooperation between Georgia and Great Britain, citing “vicious practices” including financing of extremism in the country. He pointed to attempts to finance organizations linked to radical opposition groups, such as Tabula and the Future Academy (formerly known as the Franklin Club). Kobakhidze emphasized that these issues hinder the development of healthy partnership relations.
**OSCE/ODIHR’s Past Observations**
Kobakhidze noted that OSCE/ODIHR observed parliamentary elections in Georgia and made a conclusion, but the report was largely ignored. He expressed surprise that the same groups now calling for OSCE/ODIHR observation are not interested in implementing the mission’s recommendations.
**UK Embassy Stands by Call**
The British Embassy in Georgia remains committed to its call for OSCE/ODIHR observation of local elections and implementation of the organization’s recommendations regarding the 2024 parliamentary elections. The embassy highlighted that Georgian legislation allows for monitoring by observation organizations, an important part of professional and transparent election supervision.
**Local Elections on Track**
Despite the opposition from Prime Minister Kobakhidze, it appears that local elections in Georgia will proceed as planned. The British Embassy’s call for OSCE/ODIHR observation has sparked a debate about the need for international monitoring and implementation of recommendations to ensure free and fair elections.
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