PM: OSCE/ODIHR was attacked over 2024 parliamentary election conclusions; we understand their position

“You can recall how OSCE/ODIHR became the target of an attack at the time when it reached conclusions regarding the parliamentary elections. Perhaps they no longer wanted such headaches. We approach OSCE/ODIHR’s position with understanding,” Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze told journalists.

As the Head of Government noted, one month was quite a normal timeframe for the OSCE/ODIHR mission to be assembled.

“Regarding OSCE/ODIHR, we were waiting for the registration deadlines to expire. After this, an invitation was sent to OSCE/ODIHR. I think one month was quite a normal timeframe for the mission to be assembled. In reality, this takes days. Excessive bureaucracy hampers Europe, yet it is entirely feasible to assemble a mission, address all issues, and carry out the observation within just one month. However, I understand that all this was a serious challenge for OSCE/ODIHR. You’ll remember how OSCE/ODIHR became the target of an attack at the time when it reached conclusions regarding the parliamentary elections. Perhaps they no longer wanted such headaches. We approach OSCE/ODIHR’s position with understanding,” Irakli Kobakhidze declared.

For reference, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights issued a statement saying that the Georgian government’s invitation to observe the local government elections on October 4, less than a month before the vote, leaves insufficient time for credible and meaningful observation.