The OSCE PA (OSCE Parliamentary Assembly) will adopt the “Hague Declaration” on July 8, which will include a resolution on Georgia. The organization’s 33rd annual session has been underway in The Hague since July 4.
Joe Wilson, a US Senator, was the main sponsor of the draft resolution “Safeguarding the Integrity of Elections and Fundamental Freedoms in Georgia.”
According to the draft document, the OSCE PA:
- expresses concern over the conduct of the parliamentary elections in Georgia on October 26, 2024, noting that OSCE/ODIHR reports highlight serious violations;
- expresses concern over reports of potential fraud during the local government elections in October 2025, including vote manipulation, voter bribery, the use of so-called “carousels,” and the obstruction of opposition observers;
- condemns the adoption of laws that, in the authors’ view, restrict fundamental rights and freedoms—specifically, the laws “On Transparency of Foreign Influence,” amendments to the law “On Assemblies and Demonstrations,” and changes to the Code of Administrative Offenses;
- expresses concern over the use of administrative resources and the excessive concentration of power, which, according to the authors of the document, create an uneven playing field for political competition, undermine public trust in democratic processes, and lead to the de facto establishment of single-party rule;
- condemns the arbitrary detention and harassment of opposition representatives, journalists, and peaceful protesters advocating for Georgia’s democratic and European future;
- emphasizes that the weakening of democratic institutions, the system of checks and balances, and the failure to meet commitments to the OSCE jeopardize Georgia’s course toward Euro-Atlantic integration;
- notes that the recognition of any election results is only possible if they comply with international standards and are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.
The Georgian authorities are urged to:
- release all imprisoned opposition figures and participants of pro-European protests recognized as “political prisoners” by local and international human rights organizations;
- repeal all legislative norms that restrict fundamental freedoms and contradict Georgia’s international human rights commitments;
- conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation into all reports of violations during the 2024 and 2025 elections and hold those responsible accountable;
- initiate a genuine process of judicial reform and restore the independence of the Central Election Commission in consultation with the Venice Commission and the OSCE/ODIHR;
- ensure safe working conditions for civil society and independent media so they can carry out their activities without threat of persecution.
In addition, the resolution called on OSCE PA members and the international community to:
- continue engaging with the Georgian authorities to secure the swift restoration of democratic norms and the conduct of future elections in line with the country’s commitments to the OSCE;
- withhold recognition of election results in Georgia unless reputable international and local observer missions deem them free, fair, and democratic;
- continue to closely monitor the human rights situation in Georgia and support the Georgian people in their aspiration for democracy.
