A group of observers from the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development – GUAM was invited to the Presidential Elections in Georgia, which took place on October 27, 2013.
The Group included the following officials: Deputies of the Milli Mejlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. E. Mammadov and Mr. M. Kasimov; Deputy of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Mr. E. Leonov; Deputy of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova Mr. A.Dimitriu; and GUAM Secretary General Mr. V. Chechelashvili, who coordinated the Group of Observers.
Based on the results of observing 55 (fifty-five) polling sites in the Mtatsmindski, Vakiiski, Saburtalinski, Chuguretski, Didubiiski and Krtsaniiski electoral precincts of Tbilisi, and also in the electoral precincts in the cities of Mtskheta and Marneuli, the Group of GUAM observers decided to issue the following statement:
The Presidential Elections in Georgia were organised and held in accordance with international commitments and standards for democratic elections, including commitments and standards in relation to the OSCE and the Council of Europe, as well as the national legislation, rules and procedures elaborated by the Central Election Commission of Georgia. Despite the high level of competitiveness, the elections took place in a calm and orderly atmosphere. With respect to the overall electoral process, the organization of the elections and the activity of the commissions of the polling stations, and comments on individual polling stations monitored by the GUAM Group of observers, these factors are not of a fundamental nature and cannot significantly affect the voting results.
The Presidential Elections of Georgia, in general, may be assessed positively as being free and fair.
Tbilisi, October 27, 2013
