The Judiciary Should Not Ignore Systemic Election Violations

5 November, 2024

Statement by The Coalition for Independent and Transparent Judiciary:

Constitutional and Electoral Code requirements were systemically violated during the parliamentary elections held on October 26, 2024. The observation missions noted numerous instances of voter control, ballot secrecy violations, and voting with other people’s IDs. In some cases, the indications of crimes specified in the Criminal Code of Georgia were obvious (see the assessments by the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy, the Georgian Young Lawyers Association, and My Vote for EU Observation Mission).

Assessments made by observation organizations note facts indicating that the violations were not discrete incidents but the elements of a well-planned criminal plot.

Currently, the judges of the common courts of Georgia are considering the violations established by the observers. The first-instance courts have almost completed a review of election disputes. Importantly, the Tetritskaro District Court confirmed the violation of ballot secrecy at electronic precincts and annulled the results of challenged polling stations.

From November 5, 2024, the appeals courts will review the disputes. The results of these proceedings will greatly impact Georgia’s independence and democratic development.

The Coalition believes that the judges should thoroughly consider the cases and impartially assess the developments taking place at the electronic and traditional polling stations and their surroundings.