2018-10-25
As Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze stated during the briefing before today's Government meeting, "In a few days, we are about to have a very important and responsible date marking the country's presidential election. I urge our citizens to go to the ballot box and make their choice."
According to the Head of Government, the Government has done everything to ensure a free, transparent, and democratic election.
"At this election, Georgia must pass another democratic test, and I strongly believe that we all together, our every citizen, will pass this test, as befits our country. I also emphasize that the public demand and desire to have a genuinely European pre-election season could not be fulfilled because of the destructive rhetoric of certain political forces, and we will ensure against any dissonance that one irresponsible political force or another may try to cause in the voting process," Mamuka Bakhtadze stated.
As the Prime Minister pointed out, a level playing field has been ensured for every political entity throughout the campaign season.
"I promise you that every voter will be able to make a free choice and each vote will be protected," Mamuka Bakhtadze emphasized.
According to the Head of Government, the Interior Ministry has already been instructed to ensure order throughout the country, so that the voters may be able to make a free choice.
"I would also like to urge local and international monitoring organizations and media outlets to be maximally active. I personally asked several leading international organizations to increase the number of their observers, and I would like to thank them for their assistance. As you know, many international observers are arriving for the presidential election," Mamuka Bakhtadze said.
According to the Head of Government, although relevant regulations are very strict on legally prohibiting the use of administrative resources, the Government, on the initiative of the Prime Minister, has adopted a decree to make doubly sure that no administrative resources are used. In addition, according to Mamuka Bakhtadze, the Interagency Commission at the Ministry of Justice reviews every issue related to administrative resource use.
"At the same time, I urge everyone to use legal mechanisms, along with verbal statements, in relation to any violation, and to file complaints on every concrete violation to entitle and enable the Election Administration to probe into each case and identify those responsible for violations. I am convinced that October 28 will mark yet another triumph of democracy in Georgia, which stands for our country's victory," Mamuka Bakhtadze said.
Prime Minister's Press Office