“This is the space where we are transparent. If the OSCE has the desire and there is a need for observers in the country, numerous examples exist where the OSCE has undertaken participation and observation in elections within limited timeframes,” MP Levan Makhashvili, Chairman of Parliament’s European Integration Committee, told GPB First Channel.

According to him, numerous such precedents exist.

“Taking precisely these examples into account, we say that the real reason for OSCE/ODIHR’s refusal was not the timeframe and time, but rather the possible pressure that was being exerted against them for many months.

We prefer not to engage in this discussion, as ultimately it could harm the OSCE, which is not our intention; we cooperate closely with them.

Observation of local self-government elections is not standard practice; such oversight may be necessary in specific circumstances when particular issues arise, and all states concur that it is vital to dedicate effort and resources and to withstand pressure accordingly. Nothing of this sort is happening with the October 4 elections. Therefore, these elections are not an event of such scale that might be worth pressure and stress for OSCE/ODIHR,” declared Makhashvili.