1. EU Membership Candidate Status:
   • The elections will be conducted under the status of an EU membership candidate country. Free, fair, and competitive elections are crucial in meeting one of the nine recommendations from the European Commission for Georgia to advance on the path to European integration.
2. Legislative Changes:
   • Significant amendments to electoral legislation include the elimination of gender quotas and the introduction of a fully proportional system for electing MPs. However, these changes have not fully incorporated recommendations from the Venice Commission and OSCE/ODIHR, as set out in the EU recommendations​​.
   • In May 2024, the parliamentary majority introduced the institution of Delegates. Under these changes, a political party can nominate a candidate as a delegate for one of the 30 defined districts outlined in the election code. If elected, the nominated member becomes the delegate of that district, provided their party receives the highest number of votes in that specific district. ISFED views this amendment as contradictory to the fundamental principle of a fully proportional system outlined in Georgia’s Constitution, which envisages a single multi-mandate electoral district. 
   • The composition of Georgia’s Central Election Commission (CEC) has seen multiple changes recently. In March 2024, the responsibility to select and present candidates for the CEC chairperson and non-party members shifted from the President to the Speaker of the Parliament, eliminating the opposition-appointed deputy chairperson role, contrary to recommendations from the Venice Commission, OSCE/ODIHR, and local election observers.
   • In 2023, the responsibility for monitoring political party finance was transferred from the State Audit Office to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). However, the institutional independence of the ACB is questionable, primarily because its head is appointed by Prime Minister for a term of six years instead of a qualified majority vote in parliament.
3. Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence:
   • The controversial adoption of the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence in May 2024, despite significant opposition from local and international bodies, threatens the existence of domestic election observation organizations. This law, viewed as a tool to stifle civil society and media, has already led to U.S. sanctions against key Georgian officials​.
4. Technological Innovations:
   • The introduction of electronic voting technologies is a notable development. While these technologies promise to enhance the electoral process, their successful implementation depends on robust political will and readiness for such a transition​.
5. Political Party Dynamics:
   • The political landscape is marked by fragmentation and new alliances, with significant internal shifts within major parties like the United National Movement. The high electoral threshold has prompted discussions of forming political unions, indicating a fluid and dynamic pre-election period​.
6. Anti-Western Sentiment and increased polarization:
   • A rise in anti-Western and Euroskeptic messaging has been observed, with the ruling party challenging Georgia’s traditionally pro-European stance. This shift has introduced new tensions and uncertainties within the political landscape​.
   • Social media in Georgia is also highly polarized. Alongside the election campaign, various actors, including anonymous networks linked to the Government, are utilizing social media platforms for the spread of discrediting content. Russia’s potential intervention in the election campaign using anonymous networks poses a significant challenge. There have already been signs indicating such interference.

ISFED plans to deploy up to 1.400 observers across Georgia on election day to ensure thorough coverage. ISFED’s monitoring methodology adheres strictly to the Declaration of Global Principles for Nonpartisan Election Observation and Monitoring by Citizen Organizations, as well as the Code of Conduct to which ISFED is a signatory.