In total, based on their findings, the observers gave Georgia 30 recommendations, including the fight against misinformation from the media, and work to improve the electoral environment.

There is everything necessary for holding parliamentary elections according to high standards of democracy in Georgia, but parties must sacrifice their party interests, Derek Mitchell, President of the National democratic Institute of the United States (NDI), assessed the start of the election campaign in Georgia.

The NDI observer mission visited Georgia from July 28 to August 4 and held online meetings with representatives of the government, election administration and parties.

"There are all grounds for holding democratic elections in Georgia. However, without further reforms, the population's confidence in democratic institutions will continue to decline. The participating parties must show political will and put the fairness of the election process above the party's interests, " - Mitchell said.

The NDI on Wednesday also presented a report on the first findings of surveillance, which deals with both the electoral system and the electoral administration, as well as the role of the media and misinformation, women's participation, and even the coronavirus.

"Certain issues related to the credibility of elections remain the main challenge, which further increases polarization and reduces public confidence. Among the problematic issues: inattentive and biased execution of decisions, abuse of administrative resources and judicial power, intimidation, personalized and polarized election campaign, clogging of the information environment," the report says. In total, based on their findings, the observers gave Georgia 30 recommendations, including the fight against disinformation and work to improve the electoral environment.

Thus, the observers recommend that parties develop political programs that address the needs of citizens and refrain from making statements that threaten cooperation between parties or public confidence in the election processes. Members of the government are recommended to separate their party activities from those of the government and not use state resources.

In addition, observers urge parties to refrain from conducting such campaigns that serve to mislead the public or hinder participation in elections.

Also, according to the NDI, parties should ensure that their supporters do not interfere in the meetings of competitors or in the work of observers.

The parties called for the adoption of a document on the non-use of hate speech, unethical campaigns, disinformation, voter bribery, intimidation, non-use of violence and the introduction of sanctions for such actions for their members.

At the same time, according to the recommendations of the NDI, media and journalists should be able to carry out their duties without interference from the government and without harassment by the authorities. In addition, the observers called for the fight against misinformation and urged the media not to mislead the public.

Sputnik-georgia.ru