The Public Defender and the Central Election Commission jointly call on political parties, candidates, and all parties involved in the pre-election process to contribute to creating an appropriate electoral environment that ensures fair, peaceful, and equal elections.
As noted in a statement released by the Public Defender’s Office, unfortunately, during the election period, there have been repeated instances of electoral entities promoting discrimination against individuals on various grounds and using hate speech.
“On August 5, 2025, the President of Georgia scheduled regular elections for municipal representative bodies—sakrebulos—and mayors of self-governing cities and communities for October 4, thus initiating the pre-election period. Considering that previous pre-election periods have been polarized, the Public Defender of Georgia and the Central Election Commission, as two independent constitutional institutions, jointly urge political parties, candidates, and all parties involved in the pre-election process to contribute to creating an appropriate electoral environment that ensures fair, peaceful, and equal elections. Electoral integrity and a healthy electoral environment are fundamental to the functioning of a democratic society. However, when the electoral process is accompanied by the use of hate speech, personal attacks against those involved, and the encouragement of discrimination, it directly undermines the electoral environment and harms public trust. Unfortunately, during election periods, there have been repeated instances of electoral entities promoting discrimination against individuals on various grounds and using hate speech. In previous years, representatives and members of election commissions have also been targets of such attacks. Furthermore, political debates are sometimes characterized by offensive statements made by participants against one another. The Public Defender and the Central Election Commission emphasize that such incidents are harmful and hinder the formation of an equal and peaceful electoral environment. Additionally, the proper functioning of the electoral administration, alongside the smooth conduct of electoral processes, plays a crucial role in fostering high public trust, which is essential for the country’s democratic development. Given the widespread adoption of electronic technologies and the indispensable role of the electoral administration, all parties must support the electoral administration to enable it to fully carry out its duties in an environment free from hate speech and peaceful. It is essential for leaders/representatives of political parties, relevant candidates, their supporters, and individuals holding political positions to demonstrate high political and civic responsibility and promote a pluralistic electoral campaign free from violence and hate speech. To establish a political culture oriented toward democratic values, it is important for candidates’ electoral campaigns to focus on substantive, program-based discussions, which will facilitate fair and equal competition. At the same time, the media’s critical role in monitoring and disseminating information about the pre-election campaign must be highlighted. It is important for media representatives to adhere to high professional standards when covering electoral campaigns, respond appropriately to instances of hate speech, and critically address such incidents. In conclusion, avoiding hate speech and responding adequately to it is essential for ensuring electoral integrity and maintaining a healthy electoral environment. This, in turn, guarantees fairness, constructive political discourse, and the protection of human rights,” the statement released by the Public Defender reads.
The CEC and the Public Defender are issuing a joint appeal “to ensure fair and peaceful elections”
