**Georgia’s Decision to Exclude OSCE/ODIHR from Local Elections Sparks Concern**
The Institute for Democracy and Human Rights (ISFED) has responded to the statement made by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, where he claimed that it is unnecessary to burden the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe/Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) with observing the upcoming Tbilisi local government elections. This decision comes as a surprise to many, given the OSCE/ODIHR’s long-standing interest in monitoring local elections across Europe.
**The Importance of International Monitoring**
According to ISFED, the involvement of an international observation mission is essential for ensuring the transparency and credibility of democratic processes in local elections. By excluding OSCE/ODIHR from observing these elections, Georgia may be compromising the integrity of its electoral process. The organization emphasizes that the exclusion of international observers can lead to a lack of trust among citizens, as well as undermine the overall confidence in the election process.
**OSCE/ODIHR’s Track Record**
It is worth noting that OSCE/ODIHR has a history of observing local elections in Georgia, having done so four times since 2006. In addition, the organization has observed municipal elections in 13 other countries, demonstrating its commitment to monitoring and promoting democratic processes across Europe.
**A Step Backwards for Democracy**
The exclusion of OSCE/ODIHR from observing the upcoming local elections raises concerns about Georgia’s commitment to democracy and transparency. As a country that has made significant strides in consolidating its democratic institutions, it is disappointing to see such a step backwards. By excluding international observers, Georgia may be inadvertently undermining the very principles that have enabled its progress towards greater democracy.
**What’s Next?**
As the October 4 municipal elections approach, ISFED and other civil society organizations will continue to monitor the situation closely. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact the electoral process, but one thing is clear: the exclusion of OSCE/ODIHR from observing local elections has significant implications for Georgia’s democratic future.
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