According to the conclusion of the National Democratic Institute (NDI) delegation, the presidential Election Day largely proceeded in a calm and orderly manner, but the pre-election environment was based on polarized and fears of violence and intimidation incidents.

Today National Democratic Institute published the conclusion, in which the delegation notes that the democratic governance is Georgia’s most precious asset. “It has set the country apart from its authoritarian neighbors and made possible the prospects for European and Euro-Atlantic integration. Squandering this asset would have immeasurable costs. It will be critical that Georgia not allow the conduct of this election campaign to define the country’s political life going forward. Heading into the 2020 parliamentary elections, it is this delegation’s hope that Georgians will reject the divisive and harmful practices of this election and work to build a more constructive political environment in which contenders compete on a level playing field and contend on the basis of policy differences relevant to citizens’ interests”, – the conclusion notes.

The document states that the period before the second round was characterized by violence, information about intimidation and other actions that violated the norms of the electoral legislation.

„Campaign rhetoric grew even more aggressive and hostile between the two rounds, with messages of fear and threats of instability. The election lacked constructive debate on ideas, values, or visions for the presidency” – reads the document.

The observer mission touched upon the allegations of voter intimidation and use of financial administrative resources.

According to conclusion in election campaign that was predicted in early summer to be calm and uneventful proved instead to be heated and divisive.

“The period ahead of the runoff was marked by incidents of violence, reports of intimidation, and other practices that violated the spirit, and arguably the letter, of election laws. Campaign rhetoric grew even more aggressive and hostile between the two rounds, with messages of fear and threats of instability. The election lacked constructive debate on ideas, values, or visions for the presidency”, – the document reads.