Board Statement: Young people in Georgia deserve free and fair elections
The European Youth Forum condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the interference with the electoral process in Georgia facilitated by the ruling Georgian Dream party. We call for free and fair national elections to be reorganised in Georgia and reiterate our support for Georgia's European integration.
Over the past few weeks, the Georgian people have been rising against their government due to electoral interference in the last national elections, which took place on October 26th, 2024.
Georgian civil society has been facing a significant crackdown by the government in the past months. Earlier this year, National Youth Councils and International Youth Organisations from all across Europe united through the European Youth Forum in a clear condemnation of the ongoing democratic backsliding process in Georgia, highlighted by the approval of the Foreign Agents Law by the Georgian Parliament.
Through protests, campaigns, and massive voter mobilisation, young people and youth organisations in Georgia have opposed the antidemocratic regime upheld by the ruling Georgian Dream party.
Georgia must uphold the rule of law and ensure its institutions function independently and transparently. Safeguarding the electoral process from interference is central to fulfilling this duty.
Therefore, the Board of the European Youth Forum:
Condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the interference with the electoral process in Georgia facilitated by the ruling Georgian Dream party.
Reiterates the support of the European Youth Forum for the European integration of Georgia.
Calls for fair and free national elections to be reorganised in Georgia, as a candidate country of the European Union, in line with the call of the European Parliament and ensuring the observation of all electoral laws and the EEAS International Standards for Election.
Calls on the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to undertake an election observation mission in Georgia, as a Member State of the Council of Europe, upon the reorganisation of the elections to ensure the independence of the electoral process.
Urges international organisations to support civil society organisations in Georgia, including youth organisations, which urgently need support in their fight and active work against the rise of an anti-EU, autocratic regime.
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Calls on European governments to send a clear message by imposing sanctions (such as asset freezing and travel bans) on the state actors responsible for violating the integrity of the electoral process.
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