The Communications Commission (ComCom) is calling on observer missions to respond to unprecedented and alarming legal violations by broadcasters during the 2024 parliamentary election campaign. The ComCom states that instances of law-breaking by broadcasters have not only been established by the Commission but are now supported by several court decisions. However, observer missions have yet to react to these alarming facts.

According to ComCom, Mtavari Arkhi, TV Pirveli, and Formula made a joint illegal decision not to air the election advertisement of Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia during the pre-election period. Moreover, the broadcasters stated at a public hearing that regardless of any court decision following the Commission’s protocol, they would still not air the pre-election clips.

The Communications Commission says it immediately expressed concern that the broadcasters’ actions set a dangerous precedent, as it saw the risk that other channels would imitate these three broadcasters, which would damage the electoral environment. 

Due to these risks, the Commission promptly called on observer missions and international organizations to get involved in the process, but there has been no response from them so far.

Later, ImediTV, Maestro, POSTV, and Rustavi 2 openly made similar decisions not to air opposition parties’ election clips.

According to the legislation, broadcasters must act in a non-discriminatory manner and offer equal conditions to political entities to allow citizens to make an informed choice. Despite the violation reports drawn up by the Commission and court decisions, broadcasters continue to grossly violate the law. Therefore, the Commission once again calls on observer missions and international organizations to get involved in the process and respond accordingly to eliminate illegal actions by broadcasters and prevent further damage to the pre-election campaign process.