I call on the leaders of all parties to remind their members of the need to adhere to ethical standards, –  said EU Ambassador to Georgia Carl Hartzell while assessing the pre-election environment in Georgia.

Hartzell says they are closely monitoring reports on violence, use of administrative resources and other similar issues.

“The election campaign is still underway. So, it’s a little early to summarize the impressions. However, I would say that among the good things that I would single out in the programs presented by many parties during the campaign, the clear visions and aspirations of the parties were often reflected.

I think this is very useful and I believe it is the result of a new electoral system that is also a wider choice for the electorate. I hope that the parties’ programs will finally pave the way for the next parliament to ensure that the democratic debate continues after the elections.

As for reports on violence, use of administrative resources and other similar issues, we are observing them very closely.

It is important to ensure a credible response by the initiation of the investigation, as well as to conduct an investigation impartially and as timely as possible so that everyone can draw a conclusion about what is permissible and what is inadmissible from a legal point of view.  I also call on all party leaders to remind their party members of the need to adhere to the highest ethical standards so that everyone can get the message across what is allowed and not, in order to avoid a growing negative spiral in the coming weeks” – Carl Hartzell said.