OSCE/ODIHR deploys mission to observe municipal elections in Georgia

TBILISI, 16 April 2010 - The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today formally opened its election observation mission for the Georgian municipal elections scheduled for 30 May 2010.

"The upcoming municipal elections will be an important test for Georgia's continued commitment to holding democratic elections in line with OSCE commitments," said Ambassador Audrey Glover, head of the election observation mission.

"We welcome the opportunity to observe these elections and hope that progress will be made in implementing previous recommendations, including with regard to the clear separation of party and state."

The mission was deployed following an invitation from the Georgian authorities. It comprises 16 experts based in Tbilisi and 24 long-term observers who will be deployed across the country.

In addition, ODIHR has requested 350 short-term observers from OSCE participating States, to be deployed immediately prior to election day. They will observe the opening of polling stations, the voting, the counting of ballots, and the tabulation of results.

The mission will assess the electoral process in terms of its compliance with OSCE commitments for democratic elections, other international standards and national legislation. It will assess the legislative framework and its application, campaign activities, the media situation, the performance of the election administration and relevant government bodies as well as the resolution of election-related disputes.

A statement of preliminary findings and conclusions will be issued on the day after the elections. The mission will remain in Georgia until all rounds of the election have been completed. A comprehensive final report on the mission's findings will be published approximately two months after the completion of the election process.