The National Democratic Institute (NDI) has issued a report assessing the pre-election environment on August 19.

NDI says this bulletin is based on analysis conducted by a team of eight international election experts who, paired with assistants based in Georgia, are tracking the work of the electoral administration, campaign environment, gender and inclusion, media and disinformation, and the impact of covid-19.

As bulletin claims campaigns officially got underway on September 1, and appear to be only modestly impacted by covid- 19 so far.

“Despite an increasing infection rate, parties and candidates hold public meetings, albeit smaller compared to previous years and mostly outdoors. Most parties combine traditional campaigning, such as door-to-door canvassing and distributing printed materials, with social or traditional media outreach, where possible or affordable. Concerns remain that further worsening of the epidemiological situation may impact campaigns and election day turnout,” notes NDI.

NDI stated that similar to years past, the financial resources of the campaigns vary significantly.

Bulletin also mentions that to date, “at least 40 political parties, including GD and key opposition parties, have signed the CEC’s September 12 Code of Conduct, which calls on signatories to respect the rule of law and the will of voters, avoid discrimination and hate speech, promote a peaceful electoral environment and campaign on issues. Whether or how violations of the code will be sanctioned remains unclear.”

“However, allegations of physical violence, intimidation, and vote buying consistently emerge in conversations with various interlocutors. While several complaints are accompanied by detailed documentation, most are not sufficiently substantiated for independent verification. Interlocutors and the media have reported attacks on party members, activists, supporters, and journalists, including disrupted campaign and election commission activities. Arrests have been made or investigations are ongoing in several cases, but some stakeholders report that victims are reluctant to pursue legal remedies out of a fear of retribution and distrust in the judiciary’s independence, citing past evidence of delayed responses and inadequate sanctions. Violence and intimidation have no place in an election,” said NDI.

Georgia will hold parliamentary elections on October 31, 2020.