Georgia | ISFED: Abolishing the Possibility of Voting from Abroad in Parliamentary Elections Would Seriously Undermine the Principle of Universal Suffrage
Following a statement made by Shalva Papuashvili on 17 November, the Georgian Dream party plans to abolish the possibility of voting from abroad in parliamentary elections through amendments to the Election Code. EPDE member International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) issued a statement calling on the Georgian Dream-led parliament not to support the abolition of […]
Statement | On Credible Election Observation and Institutional Responsibility: EPDE’s Response to the CEC of Georgia
We have reviewed the press release published by the CEC of Georgia on 17 October 2025 in reaction to our statement “The Crisis of Credibility” on fake observers at the Georgian local elections. We appreciate the CEC’s engagement and welcome any opportunity to compare evidence and standards. EPDE’s work is based on the Declaration of […]
Statement | The Crisis of Credibility: Fake Observers at the October 4, 2025, Georgian Local Elections
The European Platform for Democratic Elections (EPDE) identified 29 fake observers who assisted the Georgian government in lending an appearance of legitimacy to the local elections on October 4, 2025. It is the second time that the Georgian ruling party, “Georgian Dream,” has invited politically biased observers to obscure irregularities flagged by credible observers in […]
Webinar: Georgia’s 2025 Municipal Elections: A Critical Test for Democracy amid Repression and Isolation | 9 October 2025 | 16:00 CET
On 4 October 2025, Georgia held nationwide local elections – the first such important elections since the controversial parliamentary elections in 2024. Taking place amid deep political polarisation, protests, and increasing democratic erosion, these elections are expected to strengthen the dominance of the ruling Georgian Dream party. Independent monitoring has been limited in an unprecedented […]
Municipal Elections in Georgia – a Short Explainer
Georgia is scheduled to hold nationwide municipal elections on October 4, 2025. These elections mark the first electoral test since the disputed 2024 parliamentary elections and come at a time of heightened political polarization, ongoing anti-government protests, and considerable democratic backsliding. The ruling Georgian Dream party has significantly altered the legal framework governing elections, as […]
Statement | EPDE calls for strong EU response to crackdown on election observers ahead of Georgia’s Local Elections
On 27 August 2025, the Georgian Prosecutor’s Office froze the bank accounts of seven independent NGOs including EPDE member International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy, marking a dangerous escalation in the government’s systematic dismantling of civil society. This attack on fundamental rights demands an immediate, forceful, and public European response. The asset freeze goes […]
GNDEM Condemns Continued Efforts by the Georgian Government to Close Civic Space and Undermine Citizen Observers
The Global Network for Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM) once again condemns the continued efforts by the Georgian government to close civic space, limit basic freedoms and undermine the activities of citizen observers. Most recently, at the request of the Prosecutor’s Office, a Tbilisi City Court judge froze bank accounts of at least seven non-governmental organizations, including […]
Georgia: Despite Asset Freezes and Repressions, Georgian NGOs Will Continue Our Work
EPDE member International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy responds to the Georgian Prosecutor’s Office freezing the assets of seven independent organizations, calling the move an illegal act undermining fundamental rights and Georgia’s European integration path. “The asset freeze of seven independent organizations represents yet another illegal act by Ivanishvili’s government. It violates fundamental human […]
2025 Municipal Elections in Georgia: Assessment of the Pre-Election Environment
Key Findings and Conclusions The next municipal elections in Georgia are scheduled for October 4, 2025. Citizens registered across 64 municipalities will have the right to elect both representative bodies (Sakrebulos – municipal councils) and executive bodies (mayors) of local self-government units. The official pre-election period commenced on August 5, 2025. With this report, ISFED […]
2025 Municipal Elections in Georgia: Assessment of the Pre-Election Environment
The next municipal elections in Georgia are scheduled for October 4, 2025. Citizens registered across 64 municipalities will have the right to elect both representative bodies (Sakrebulos – city/municipal councils) and executive bodies (mayors) of local self-government units. The official pre-election period commenced on August 5, 2025. With this report, ISFED assessed the current environment […]