“As parliamentary elections approach in October, Georgia has a chance to reaffirm its position as a democratic leader in the Eurasia region,” said Ambassador Derek Mitchell, President of the National Democratic Institute, at the conclusion of a visit to the country. “NDI will remain steadfast in its commitment to support Georgian democracy during this critical year, and for years to come.”
On February 24-26, Mitchell visited Tbilisi and Marneuli for consultations on developments in Georgia’s democracy and NDI programming. This was Mitchell’s first visit to Georgia.
During his three-day visit, Mitchell met with the Prime Minister, the President, the Speaker and other members of parliament, heads of the ruling and opposition political parties from across the political spectrum, leaders of civil society organizations, mayors and sakrebulo members, the chairperson of the Central Election Commission, women politicians, youth leaders, and representatives of the diplomatic community. NDI is grateful to everyone who shared their time and views so generously.
NDI’s on-going activity in Georgia, and electoral conditions ahead of the October 2020 parliamentary election, were the focus of Mitchell’s conversations.
“Georgia’s friends in the West, including NDI, will be closely following electoral preparations,” Mitchell said. “Building public confidence in the process this year will require reaching timely and broad-based consensus on the country’s electoral system; respecting the rights of all candidates and parties to participate without fear of politicized prosecution; safeguarding the rights of civil society organizations to organize, operate and speak freely; empowering women to participate safely and equally; creating space for constructive engagement of youth; and avoiding political polarization that can degrade national unity and invite external illiberal influence.”
