**Georgian Dream Refuses to Invite OSCE Election Watchdogs**
In a surprising move, Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has stated that inviting the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) mission to observe Georgia’s upcoming local elections would be “unnecessary”.
Kobakhidze made this statement on June 18, during a press conference. He claimed that local elections are not typically observed by ODIHR, only in exceptional cases when there is some connection to parliamentary or national elections.
However, the OSCE/ODIHR has previously observed several local elections in Georgia, including those held in 2021 and 2017. In fact, the organization was invited to observe the 2014 municipal elections, although they ultimately decided not to due to financial constraints.
This latest move by Georgian Dream has sparked concerns about the fairness of the upcoming election. The opposition remains split over participation, with some calling for a boycott citing unfair conditions, while others are seeking to contest and win major cities like Tbilisi.
The municipal vote is planned for October 4, which is less than four months away. Meanwhile, the government continues to face growing pressure from international organizations, including the OSCE/ODIHR, regarding its treatment of civil society and fundamental freedoms.
**A Blow to Democracy?**
Kobakhidze’s statement has been met with criticism by opposition groups and some international observers. They argue that refusing to invite ODIHR is a blow to democracy and undermines trust in the electoral process.
“This decision shows a lack of transparency and accountability on the part of Georgian Dream,” said a spokesperson for the opposition. “By rejecting ODIHR’s involvement, they are trying to silence any potential criticism and ensure their own victory.”
The OSCE/ODIHR has been critical of Georgia’s democratic progress in recent years, citing concerns about new laws affecting civil society and fundamental freedoms, as well as voter pressure and lack of post-election legal remedies.
**What Does This Mean for the Election?**
The refusal to invite ODIHR could have significant implications for the upcoming election. Without international observers, there may be less scrutiny on the electoral process, which could lead to further irregularities and undermine trust in the results.
“This is a dark day for democracy in Georgia,” said a civil society activist. “By rejecting ODIHR’s involvement, Georgian Dream is sending a clear message that they are not interested in fairness or transparency.”
**A Call for Action**
The international community has called on Georgian authorities to reconsider their decision and invite ODIHR to observe the election.
“The refusal to invite ODIHR is a setback for democracy in Georgia,” said a spokesperson for the OSCE/ODIHR. “We urge the Georgian government to reconsider this decision and work towards creating an environment that allows for free and fair elections.”
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