The OSCE PA Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions has supported a draft resolution on Georgia — “Protecting the Integrity of Elections and Fundamental Freedoms in Georgia” — which was initiated by Congressman Joe Wilson.
The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly:
- expresses concern over the parliamentary elections in Georgia on October 26, 2024, and points out that OSCE/ODIHR reports documented serious violations;
- expresses alarm over reports of potential fraud in the October 2025 local elections, including vote manipulation, voter bribery, “carousel voting,” and obstructing the work of opposition observers;
- condemns the adoption of a number of restrictive laws, including the law “On Transparency of Foreign Influence,” amendments to the law “On Assemblies and Demonstrations,” and changes to the Code of Administrative Offenses, which, according to the Assembly’s assessment, significantly restrict freedom of speech, media, association, and assembly;
- expresses concern that the authorities systematically abuse administrative resources and increase the concentration of power, which creates an uneven playing field, undermines trust in elections, and effectively leads to single-party rule;
- condemns arbitrary detentions and pressure on the opposition, journalists, and peaceful protesters advocating for the country’s democratic and European development;
- emphasizes that the weakening of checks and balances and the departure from commitments to the OSCE directly jeopardize Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration;
- notes that the legitimacy of any elections is only possible if international standards of free, fair, and transparent voting are respected;
The PA calls on the Georgian authorities:
- to release all individuals considered political prisoners by human rights organizations;
- to repeal legislation that restricts fundamental freedoms and contradicts the country’s international human rights obligations;
- to conduct a full and transparent investigation into all allegations of violations in the 2024 and 2025 elections and hold those responsible accountable; to initiate genuine reforms to restore the independence of the judiciary and the Central Election Commission in consultation with the Venice Commission and the OSCE/ODIHR;
- to guarantee safe working conditions for civil society and independent media, without the risk of pressure and harassment.
The OSCE PA also appeals to its members and the international community to:
- continue engagement with the Georgian authorities to restore democratic standards and organize future elections in full compliance with commitments to the OSCE;
- refuse to recognize the results of any elections in Georgia that are not recognized as free and fair by reputable international and local monitoring missions;
- closely monitor the human rights situation in the country and continue supporting Georgian society in its aspiration toward democratic values.
