EU Ambassador to Georgia, Pawek Herczynski, released a statement on the International Day of Democracy, saying “The European Union has been a strong ally of Georgia since its independence. For decades, we have been helping to strengthen Georgia’s democracy.”

In his remarks, Ambassador Herczynski noted that “Democracies are based on simple, yet fundamental values of freedom, respect for human rights, and free and fair elections.”

“Democracy has improved the lives of millions around the world. At the same time, in many places, it is under threat.

A healthy democracy thrives on diversity. Opposition parties, vibrant civil society and independent media are essential for ensuring that governments are accountable.

This year, more than half of the world’s population will take part in elections. This includes Georgia. Voting is your constitutional right and a civic duty. The vote of each of you will decide the future of Georgia.

The European Union actively defends democracy within and beyond our borders.

On this day, and every single day, we must ensure that democratic values we share are upheld for the benefit of all of us.

We stand by the Georgian people on their path to join the European Union. Tsin, Sakartvelo, tsin!” Herczynski asserted.