The Georgian people went to the polls on Saturday in an election environment shaped by the ruling party’s policies, including misuse of public resources, vote buying, and voter intimidation, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew A. Miller stated during the Department’s Press Briefing. 

 

“This contributed to an uneven playing field and undermined public and international trust in the possibility of a fair outcome.  We join calls from international and local observers for a full investigation of all reports of election-related violations, and urge respect for the fundamental freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly.

 

We encourage Georgia’s governing officials to consider the relationship they want with the Euro-Atlantic community, rather than strengthening policies that are praised by authoritarians.  More than 80 percent of the Georgian people want to see the country integrated into the EU and NATO.  The constitution of Georgia – proposed and backed by the current governing party – stipulates the pursuit of these membership – of membership in these Euro-Atlantic institutions.  All parties campaigned in support of this goal, but the governing party has adopted measures inconsistent with that course.

 

The Georgian Government can recommit to its democratic Euro-Atlantic trajectory by respecting the rule of law, addressing deficiencies in its electoral process, withdrawing and repealing anti-democratic legislation, and undertaking significant effort on outstanding EU accession reform recommendations.

 

We have consistently urged the Georgian Government this year to walk back its anti-democratic actions and return to its Euro-Atlantic path.  We do not rule out further consequences if the Georgian Government’s direction does not change,” the statement reads.