In a statement to the media on Friday 6 November, the European Commission’s spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Peter Stano, outlined the EU’s concern regarding the opposition parties’ threats to boycott Georgia's new Parliament.
“We are aware that the opposition parties in Georgia are questioning the outcome of the first round of the elections, and intend to boycott the Parliament once it is in session”, he explained, adding that such a boycott would not help democracy in the country. The second round of legislative elections is scheduled for 21 November.
Mr Stano recalled that all parties affected by shortcomings in the first round had had the opportunity to lodge their substantiated complaints and appeals using existing institutional and legal means (see EUROPE 12594/22). “The authorities must handle these claims in a fair, transparent and rigorous manner, to ensure trust in the process”, he said.
According to the spokesperson, this will be important to ensure the necessary conditions for holding the second round of the elections “in an inclusive and transparent manner” and for a Parliament that fulfils the mandate given by the Georgian people.
“We remain engaged and will closely monitor all further developments”, Mr Stano warned. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)