Documents

In its preliminary report, Promo-LEX reports these elections were generally organized efficiently. The number of incidents on the day of the parliamentary elections decreased insignificantly compared to the presidential election of autumn 2020, (Round I by (-22) and Round II by (-40) incidents). Unconfirmed reported incidents of voter bribery and organized transportation of voters were observed particularly in connection with the electoral process in the Transnistrian region.

With the gradual systemic decline of the democratic character of Russian presidential, parliamentary, and other elections, Vladimir Putin’s regime found it increasingly difficult to secure their international legitimacy. In an attempt to give the impression of international legitimation of the parliamentary elections, Russian authorities reportedly brought in 383 “international observers” and “experts” from 80 countries.

Changes to the electoral legislation made in line with the April 19 Agreement pledged to ease the political crisis and restore trust in electoral reform. Changes included increasing the number of non-partisan appointees throughout election commissions and limiting the party’s ability to withdraw members of the district election commissions. Legislation partially met some of the OSCE recommendations, however, it is not expected that the existing legislative provisions will minimize political polarization.

The document presents final joint assessment by International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) and Transparency International Georgia of the main changes made by the Parliament of Georgia to the Election Code. In addition, the document discusses recommendations that should be taken into account after the 2021 local self-government elections.

In its preliminary report, Promo-LEX reports these elections were generally organized efficiently. The number of incidents on the day of the parliamentary elections decreased insignificantly compared to the presidential election of autumn 2020, (Round I by (-22) and Round II by (-40) incidents). Unconfirmed reported incidents of voter bribery and organized transportation of voters were observed particularly in connection with the electoral process in the Transnistrian region.

According to the Akanates observation mission, election day saw engaged and active participation from citizens. The process was fundamentally organized, smooth, and without serious violations. Nevertheless, a number of polling stations had a palpable level of tension, mostly due to the presence of unauthorized persons inside the polling station. Although violations were noted by representatives for multiple parties and alliances, the majority of violations involved representatives of the Armenia Alliance. The PVT projection for final turnout is 49.3%.

The Civic Coalition for Free and Fair Elections (CALC) condemned the illegal and irresponsible decision of the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) made on 5 June to open only 139 polling stations abroad for the early Parliamentary Elections of 11 July 2021. The decision has been amended and the number has been increased to 146, but observers note the minimum number should have been 150. They criticize the CEC for not applying the legal criteria provided for in the Electoral Code for establishing polling stations abroad and the opaque decision-making of the CEC.