The National Democratic Institute (NDI) has published the Limited Long Term Election Assessment of 2021 Municipal Elections in Georgia.

While reviewing media and information integrity, the NDI said Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB) organized two candidate debates as required by law.

It further said that “media representatives frequently reported difficulties securing the ruling party’s participation in planned debates or talk shows, which often resulted in cancellations from other candidates.”

Notably, the UNM candidate Nika Melia walked out of the GPB mayoral candidates debate after criticizing its format and announcing his refusal to share a stage with Kakha Kaladze, GD candidate and incumbent mayor.”

Lack of genuine debates between key contestants at the national and local levels negatively affected voters’ ability to obtain substantive information about electoral choices and candidate positions on issues.

Nevertheless, in a number of municipalities, local media and civic groups organized issue-based candidate discussions, mostly managing to secure participation of both the ruling party and the opposition representatives.

At the discussions, political parties presented their plans to address public concerns, especially challenges faced by underrepresented groups such as women, youth, persons with disabilities (PWD), the elderly, and ethnic minorities,” NDI stated.