Georgia: Democratic crisis and electoral fraud

The European Parliament deplores that Georgia's recent parliamentary elections did not meet international democratic standards, citing numerous serious violations and a continuing decline in democracy. These issues are incompatible with Georgia's status as an EU candidate country.

The resolution specifically affects Georgian citizens, opposition politicians, civil society leaders, journalists, and election observers. It notes that the ruling party exploited fears of war and that public sector employees faced pressure to support them.

Key changes include the Parliament's refusal to recognise the election results and a call for an independent international investigation into alleged fraud. The resolution also supports potential EU sanctions against Georgian officials responsible for democratic backsliding.

The Parliament urges the EU to limit high-level contacts with the Georgian government and to review Georgia's visa-free status. It also calls for frozen EU funds to be redirected to support Georgian civil society and independent media.