Pia Kauma, OSCE PA Head of Delegation, on Sunday, was asked if the election evaluation would assist or hinder Georgia’s return to the European trajectory. She responded “It is too premature to say anything about that. It really depends on what happens after the election. What kind of government will be constituted, and also what kind of steps the new government will be taking as regards the addition to the European Union?”

“But to my understanding, it has been also stated in the constitution that this is the aim of these people, she went on.

“It was honor for me to lead a team of 60 OSCE PA observers from 22 different countries, who came together to observe these important elections here in Georgia.

I want to highlight that our teams were warmly welcomed across the country, not just here in Tbilisi, but also in Telavi, Signaghi, Gori, Borjomi, Bolnisi, Akhaltsikhe and Batumi. Personally, I had the privilege of observing the process here in Tbilisi, and I was able to experience the engagement of many citizens first-hand.

Let me extend my sincere gratitude to everyone for the warm hospitality shown to our observers. We closely monitored every step of the election day process from the opening of polling stations to the voting and counting with all of our mission observers able to be present in just over half of all of the polling stations throughout the entire country.

Let me hear by addressing the representation of women in politics not as one of the few women on this podium. I personally met many engaged, enthusiastic and hardworking women prior to and during election day, central to the administration of the process, but also prominently active and engaged within civil society.

However, the decline in female candidates due to the removal of gender quotas is a setback for diversity, especially as women’s active participation at polling stations highlights not just their wider role, but also the demand for greater representation.

Lastly, let me come back to the deep polarization in Georgia, which we all have followed closely with concern over the past months and even years. With the recent adoption of the law on transparency of foreign influence, I hope its implications for freedom of association and expression will be re-evaluated in the next parliament to protect civil societies’ vital work in Georgia. And continue to ensure all voices will be heard. For a democracy, its true strength is deeply tied to embracing debate no matter how fierce as it holds all governments accountable and protects the freedoms we all cherish,” she asserted.