The US Embassy in Georgia released a statement in connection with the October 28 presidential elections in Georgia.

“The U.S. Embassy takes note of the preliminary conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission that the October 28 presidential elections were competitive and professionally administered, offering voters a genuine choice.

We share international and domestic observer organizations’ concerns about shortcomings in the election process, such as mobilization of voters through inappropriate means and instances of misuse of administrative resources, and stress the importance of addressing these shortcomings in the second round.

The United States will continue to monitor the election environment closely.  It is important that the second round of presidential elections be conducted in line with international standards, allowing all Georgian citizens to express their wills freely at the ballot box.

The U.S. Embassy supports the government of Georgia, civil society, and the Georgian people in advancing the country’s democratic and economic development, including through the conduct of free and fair elections,” reads the statement.