EU Integration Chair: OSCE/ODIHR presence or absence will not determine Georgia’s democracy, which is already established

The invitation of the OSCE/ODIHR to monitor the upcoming elections will put an end to speculation and manipulation, said Levan Makhashvili, Chairman of the Parliament’s European Integration Committee.

According to him, despite the arrival of OSCE/ODIHR observers, their presence will not change the views of the government’s opponents.

“The presence or absence of the OSCE/ODIHR will not determine Georgia’s democracy, which is already established in the country. Those who lack their own assessment of how elections were conducted, and whether the people expressed their choice, will find their questions answered. If they wish, they can observe the local elections themselves and make their own evaluations. As for those unable to form an opinion or connect the dots, we will see what they say — of course, I mean our political opponents,” Makhashvili stated.

He also criticized the opposition United National Movement party, noting that their announcements of dates and predictions have repeatedly proven meaningless.

“The strong point of the National Movement is not dates. We have seen many deadlines announced by them before, and it will be the same now. October 4 will come, the elections will be held peacefully, the people will express their will, and life in Georgia will continue,” he said.

Makhashvili further accused the opposition of attempting to create tension ahead of the elections.

“We hear loud, direct calls for criminal actions. Their method is always the same—they make announcements, raise accusations, and then withdraw, leaving the public at the center of confrontation. We will likely see the same scenario again. For the National Movement, elections are neither important nor central to their agenda. They are not preparing to participate in the elections but to disrupt them,” Makhashvili added.