The pre-election period for the parliamentary elections of 26 October 2024 started on August 27. Transparency International Georgia will provide live updates on alleged violations and problematic issues:

updated: 8 October, 2024

Pre-election Period

October 9: In Tbilisi, representatives of the "For Georgia" party were attacked while putting up election posters, and their campaign materials were damaged.

In Tbilisi, on Amagleba Street, unknown individuals obstructed the representatives of the "For Georgia" party from putting up pre-election campaign materials, as well as tore down the posters they had already put up. According to party representatives, the attackers were activists of the "Georgian Dream" party.

To ensure that elections are held in a peaceful and fair environment, it is critically important for all parties to have the opportunity to conduct their election campaigns in a safe environment. By law, it is prohibited to remove, tear down, cover, or damage campaign materials. To prevent this incident from encouraging violence against opposition party supporters and the destruction of campaign materials, it is essential to quickly identify the attackers and hold them legally accountable.

October 9: The Communications Commission continues to fine critical broadcasters.

The Communications Commission has deemed "Mtavari Arkhi," "TV Pirveli," and "Formula" to be in violation of regulations and has issued administrative offense reports against them. The reason for this decision is the broadcasters' refusal to air a "Georgian Dream" video that speculatively uses the Ukrainian people's tragedy for election purposes. The offense reports have been sent to the City Court, which is highly likely to impose a fine of 5,000 GEL on each broadcaster.

During the current pre-election period, the Communications Commission has repeatedly imposed financial sanctions on critical broadcasters. For instance, on August 15, "Mtavari Arkhi" was fined 2,500 GEL, and on September 13 and 19, violation reports were filed against "Mtavari," "Pirveli," and "Formula," each facing fines of 5,000 GEL.

We believe that the Communications Commission should take into account the gravity of the context and, on the one hand, not hinder the functioning of the broadcasters with its decisions, and on the other hand, avoid becoming a tool for government propaganda (see the joint statement by Transparency International Georgia and "Georgia's European Orbit" for more details).

October 9: According to Ana Tsitlidze, the chairperson of the United National Movement's Zugdidi organization, opposition-minded voters in the Zugdidi municipality are having their identity cards taken away.

Ana Tsitlidze, the chairperson of the United National Movement's Zugdidi organization, stated that opposition-minded citizens in Zugdidi, or those suspected of not voting for the "Georgian Dream" in the elections, are having their identity cards confiscated. Tsitlidze also named six individuals involved in the confiscation of identities, including police officers, a member of the Zugdidi City Council, a representative of the mayor in the administrative unit of the village of October, as well as the father of David Kodua, a candidate for the MP from Samegrelo.

The confiscation of an identity card from a voter and hindering their participation in elections is a criminal offense, and the potential organized nature and scale of these actions is particularly alarming. It is essential to conduct a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation into the circumstances mentioned in the statement.

October 9:Who funds the Georgian Dream? — Doctor Goods LLC, Inter Construction LLC

Doctor Goods LLC, where he owns 33%, received 3.6 million GEL from direct state procurements between 2020 and 2022, plus 2.1 million GEL from tenders. Inter Construction LLC, fully owned by Naskidashvili, secured 1.3 million GEL through state tenders between 2021 and 2024. In total, his companies have received more than 7 million GEL from state procurement.

Meskheti Meprinveleopba LLC, where Naskidashvili owns 17.5%, received 307,000 GEL from state agricultural programs between 2016 and 2023. Saguramo Meprinveleoba LLC, in which he holds a 40% stake, also received 121,000 GEL from agricultural programs in 2020, along with 10,000 square meters of land through direct privatization from the state.

October 7: “Georgian Dream” secret election campaigns were held at the expense of the municipalities’ budgets

• According to the published material of the “iFact” investigative journalists, “Georgian Dream” actively uses municipalities’ budgets funds for organising various cultural events in the pre-election period, which, in fact, constitutes secret election campaigning. 
  • For such events, municipalities announced a total of 219 tenders for various events, for which a total of 7.8 million GEL was spent;
  • In the period of August 1 to October 1, a total of 67 events were planned and held, half of which were dedicated to celebrating the day of the city or town;
  • The dates for some of these holidays were changed and they are celebrated right before the elections, moreover, some new ones were also invented; 
  • The election messages of the ruling party are actively heard on these events, especially on the topic of “peace”;
  • Funds spent on events have increased significantly, compared to previous years;
  • 88% of the procurements are done through a simplified procurement, without contest;

The investigation of the “iFact” once again confirms that the use of administrative resources in favour of the ruling party has a systemic nature, which, in turn, creates the basis for an unfair and unequal pre-election environment. The tendencies described in the investigation are further confirmed by the cases described throughout this Live Blog as well, which documents the occasions where state/local budget funds were used to finance the events used for the agitation of the “Georgian Dream” candidates. 

October 7: The Minister of Internal Affairs decided, that Zviad Kharazishvili, individual sanctioned by the US, will participate in ensuring election security

• On September 30, 2024, Georgia's Minister of Internal Affairs, Vakhtang Gomelauri, issued an order “to implement some measures to ensure the holding of the Parliamentary elections on October 26, 2024 in a free, safe, and peaceful environment”. According to the order, “groups responsible for the prevention of violations of law and response to these violations” - the so-called “territorial groups” will be formed in Georgia's regions and in Tbilisi, in recruitment of which Zviad Kharazishvili (“Khareba”) will participate, individual sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasure for serious violations of human rights.

Providing security for all parties involved on election day is a critically important task. For this purpose, formation of the so-called “territorial groups” was also a case in previous years; however, unlike previous years, according to the new order, territorial groups include, among others, a representative assigned by the head of the Ministry's Special Tasks Department, rather than the head of the appropriate territorial division of the Ministry's Special Tasks Department. Moreover, Zviad Kharazishvili (“Khareba”), who has been sanctioned by the  U.S. Department of the Treasure for serious abuses of human rights, continues to be the head of the mentioned department, who is also notorious for his violence towards protest participants.

October 7: Nukri Dolidze, the big donor of “Georgian Dream”, donated 58,000 GEL to the party, his companies have received public procurement contracts worth 164 million GEL in the last three years. 

• On August 2, 2024, Nukri Dolidze, the owner of a 25-25% share of LLC “Monolith 2005” and LLC “Bondi-2009” and a former member of the Batumi City Council, donated 58,000 GEL to the ruling party. Nukri Dolidze is a big donor to “Georgian Dream”, he donated 168,000 GEL to the party in the last three years. Dolidze's business partners, shareholders of “Bondi-2009” LLC, Otar Putkaradze and Davit Devadze, have donated a total of 257,000 GEL to “Georgian Dream”. In 2010-2021, the mentioned two companies received up to 130 million GEL from public procurements, 68% of which - under non-competitive conditions. From 2021, in just 3 years, Dolidze's companies received 164 million GEL in public procurements.

Over the years, the relationship between the major donors to the “Georgian Dream” and public procurements and current state programs for economic subsidies has become apparent. In many cases, the recipients of huge sums given by the government to businesses are the donors to the “Georgian Dream”. These factors raise a legitimate suspicion of systemic corruption, which severely undermines the fair electoral environment.

October 6: Attack on “National Movement” representative in Village of Kardenakhi

• On October 6, in the village of Kardenakhi, representatives of the “United National Movement” were attacked while conducting a pre-election campaign. According to Irakli Pavlenishvili, a member of the party, they were attacked by 10 people. As a result of the attack, the regional leader of the party, Levan Metreveli, was injured and taken to the hospital for medical assistance.

Interference in the pre-election campaign and violence against political party members have a negative impact on the pre-election environment. The law enforcement agencies are required to investigate the circumstances of the case and identify the responsible person in a timely and objective manner.

October 6: The ruling party uses extremely unethical election ads for political purposes

• “Georgian Dream” requests that TV broadcasters air an election video, in which the tragedy of the Ukrainian people is used speculatively for election purposes. Despite the fact that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine condemned the placement of election banners with the same content throughout Georgia, and the EU ambassador in Georgia strongly criticised them, the “Georgian Dream” further activated the mentioned campaign and requested broadcasters to air the videos. While critical TV stations - “Formula”, “Mtavari Arkhi” and “TV Pirveli” - refuse to air it, pro-government TV stations - “Imedi”, “PosTV” and “Rustavi 2” -  have already aired the advertisement. The video has also been aired by “Public Broadcaster”.

We believe that the “Georgian Dream” should refrain from manipulating the tragedy of the Ukrainian people for political and electoral purposes, as well as from using advertisements with degrading, unethical content. Also, we call on the Communications Commission to take into account the severity of the context and with its own decision, on the one hand, not to hamper the functioning of the broadcasters, and on the other hand, not to facilitate and become propaganda tools of the ruling party (for more details, see “Transparency International-Georgia's” and “Georgia's European Orbit's” joint statement).

October 4: In Gardabani, "Georgian Dream's" three candidates for parliament used the local budget-funded event for pre-election agitation

• On October 4, “Gardabnoba 2024”, an event organised by Gardabani City Hall, “Georgian Dream” candidates for parliament (from the election party list) delivered speeches, and awarded the honorary people from Gardabani themselves. These candidates were: Zaur Dargal, Savalan Mirzoev, and Irakli Shatakishvili. During their speech, candidates spread traditional “Georgian Dream” messages from the stage, as footage of infrastructure projects was shown on the stage's screen behind them.

Attendance of a candidate for parliamentary membership at a budget-financed event represents pre-election campaigning with budget funds, as well as, creates the perception that the event is organised by the ruling party.
According to the Election Code, such an activity is considered the use of administrative resources and carries a punishment of up to 4000 GEL.

October 3: “Georgian Dream” received 11 million GEL in donations over 9 months

• From January 1 to September 30, 2024, “Georgian Dream” received donations totalling 11,293,166 GEL, including 2,088,500 GEL from businessmen operating in Adjara. In the period of 2012-2024, businesses associated with the donating businessmen got more than 556,090,031 GEL from public procurements and construction licences totalling more than 3,000,000 square metres. Find out more

Over the years, the relationship between the major donors to the “Georgian Dream” and public procurements and current state programs for economic subsidies has become apparent. In many cases, the recipients of huge sums given by the government to businesses are the donors to the “Georgian Dream”. These factors raise a legitimate suspicion of systemic corruption, which severely undermines the fair electoral environment.

October 3: “Alma Plus” refused to display advertising banners for “National Movement”, which is unlawful and discriminatory

• Despite their existing agreement, the “Alma Plus” company declined to install a pre-election banner for the “National Movement”. The refusal was based on the advertisement's content, which was directed against the ruling party. “Alma Plus” holds an exclusive 15-year right to place outdoor advertisements in Tbilisi.

The decision of the “Alma Plus” is both unlawful and clearly discriminatory. In 2021, the company had no reservations displaying so-called “Bloody banners” and claimed they did not interfere with the content of advertisements. Furthermore, during this pre-election period, banners commissioned by “Georgian Dream”, depicting Ukraine's destroyed cities, have been displayed without issue. The refusal by “Alma Plus” significantly hinders the “National Movement’s” pre-election campaign, which, in turn, harms the overall pre-election environment in the country.

September 29: A“Georgian Dream” candidate for parliament Anton Obolashvili uses budget-funded events for pre-election agitation

• On September 29, the “Poetry Public Festival - Shotaoba-2024” took place in the village of Rustavi, Aspindza municipality. Anton Obolashvili, the “Georgian Dream’s” candidate for parliament, and other officials complimented the public on the festival. Obolashvili has used budget-funded events for his election campaign before. On September 12, in the village of Tmogvi, Aspindza  Municipality,  a new kindergarten was built and Anton Obolashvil cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony, and following the inauguration ceremony, he continued the rally with the party flags of “Georgian Dream”. On September 10, Obolashvili attended the inaugural ceremony for Adigen's newly renovated sports and dancing facility.

Attendance of a candidate for parliamentary membership at a budget-financed event represents pre-election campaigning with budget funds, as well as, creates the perception that the event is organised by the ruling party.
According to the Election Code, such an activity is considered the use of administrative resources and carries a punishment of up to 4000 GEL.

September 29: Illegal use of administrative resources in Adjara- a “Georgian Dream” candidate for Parliament Archil Beridze attends budget-funded events in

• On September 29, Archil Beridze, parliamentary candidate for the “Georgian Dream”, attended budget-funded events as part of the “Khelvachauri Days 2024” initiative. He attended the celebration along with the heads of the autonomous republic and the municipality. The photo material published by Batumi City Hall clearly shows that the “Georgian Dream” candidate was involved in the event by the organisers.

Archil Beridze does not currently hold a public position; he is a candidate for a member of parliament nominated by the ruling party, so his participation in the budget-funded activity represents a use of budgetary funds for the ruling party's candidate’s campaign, as well as creating the perception that the event is organised by the party.

September 29: Illegal use of administrative resources in Gardabani - a “Georgian Dream” candidate for Parliament Irakli Shatakishvili and other officials opened a new leisure facility

• On September 29, Irakli Shatakishvili, a “Georgian Dream” candidate for parliament, and other officials ceremonially opened a new leisure facility in Sartichala village, Gardabani municipality. The project was funded by the local budget and cost up to one million GEL.

Attendance of a candidate for parliamentary membership at a budget-financed event represents pre-election campaigning with budget funds, as well as, creates the perception that the event is organised by the ruling party.
According to the Election Code, such an activity is considered the use of administrative resources and carries a punishment of up to 4000 GEL.

September 29: Illegal use of administrative resources in Oni - a “Georgian Dream” candidate for Parliament Gocha Enukidze attends the opening of a new wrestling hall and presents awards to the tournament winners

• On September 29, a new wrestling hall was opened at the sports school complex in Oni's Beer Sheva Park. Gocha Enukidze, a “Georgian Dream” candidate for parliament, attended the opening and presented the wrestling tournament winners with awards.

Attendance of a candidate for parliamentary membership at a budget-financed event represents pre-election campaigning with budget funds, as well as, creates the perception that the event is organised by the ruling party.
According to the Election Code, such an activity is considered the use of administrative resources and carries a punishment of up to 4000 GEL.

September 28: Illegal use of administrative resources in Khulo - “Georgian Dream” candidates Anzor Bolkvadze and Vakhtang Beridze attend the opening of a new sports hall

• On September 28, a new sports school opened in Khulo’s Ghorjomi village. Anzor Bolkvadze, a “Georgian Dream” Parliamentary candidate, and Vakhtang Beridze, a Supreme Council candidate, attended the opening ceremony.

Attendance of a candidate for parliamentary membership at a budget-financed event represents pre-election campaigning with budget funds, as well as, creates the perception that the event is organised by the ruling party. 

According to the Election Code, such an activity is considered the use of administrative resources and carries a punishment of up to 4000 GEL.

September 27: The owners of “Dagi+” LLC donated 166,000 GEL to “Georgian Dream” in 2024. The company has received procurements of 198 million GEL

• All three shareholders of “Dagi+” LLC are large donors to the ruling party. In 2024, they contributed a total of 166,000 GEL to “Georgian Dream”: Merab Kipiani (33%) donated 55,000 GEL in April 2024; Giga Paliani (33%) contributed 60,000 GEL on August 7, 2024; and Davit Gogrichiani (34%) donated 51,000 GEL, also on August 7, 2024. The company’s primary business is road construction, for which it has won state tenders totalling 198 million GEL over the last 12 years. “Dagi+” LLC mostly constructs roads in the Oni municipality and has obtained a 5-year licence for sand and gravel mining in the Chiora village area on the Rioni River.

Over the years, the relationship between the major donors to the “Georgian Dream” and public procurements and current state programs for economic subsidies has become apparent. In many cases, the recipients of huge sums given by the government to businesses are the donors to the “Georgian Dream”. These factors raise a legitimate suspicion of systemic corruption, which severely undermines the fair electoral environment.

September 25: The Anti-Corruption Bureau flagrantly violated the law by designating “Transparency International - Georgia”, “Choose Europe”, and other individuals as entities with declared electoral goals

• On September 25, the Anti-Corruption Bureau designated “Transparency International - Georgia”, its executive director Eka Gigauri, “Choose Europe”, and its board members Khatuna Lagazidze, Lela Jejelava, Giorgi Papelishvili, Nikoloz Shurghaia, Shalva Dzebisashvili, Giorgi Taktakishvili, Sofiko Chkonia, Ivane Chkonia and Giorgi Rukhadze as entities with the declared electoral goals and imposed on them the restrictions and rules applicable to political parties. It is important to note that none of the aforementioned entities have declared a goal of participating in the elections, and after September 26, 2024, when the deadline for parties to submit their lists to the CEC ends, these persons will even be unable to participate.

We believe that the Anti-Corruption Bureau's decision is unlawful and represents the use of executive administrative resources for pre-elections. Moreover, the Bureau's behaviour can be regarded as an attempt to impede election-observing missions.

September 19: Communications Commission and Court Impose Unfair Fines on Critical Media

• On September 19, the Communications Commission issued an administrative offence statement for the second time in a week to the TV companies “Mtavari”, “Pirveli”, and “Formula” for failing to place “Georgian Dream’s” pre-election advertisement. According to the first statement, the court imposed on each of them fines of 5,000 GEL. The ruling party's pre-election campaign depicts representatives of non-governmental organisations, including the 2024 parliamentary election monitoring organisations, in an extremely unethical, unfair, and misleading context. 

We believe that the pre-election video of “Georgian Dream” does not meet the requirements of the law, and that the Communications Commission's and the court's findings are unjustified, resulting in a significant financial blow to the critical media. The inclusion of non-governmental organisation representatives in the election video marks the continuation of the ruling party's campaign against local monitoring organisations and another attempt to to cause reputational damage to monitoring organisations.

September 19: The mobilization of employees of budgetary organizations for the “Georgian Dream” party event in Rustavi  

• On September 19, a party event of “Georgian Dream” was held in Rustavi. Teachers employed in schools and kindergartens, as well as public servants, attended the meeting. Prior to that, it was reported that Tsalka and Marneuli kindergartens had closed a few hours earlier, most likely due to kindergartens' employees' presence at a party meeting. 

This is a concern, as it may be the result of the coercion of subordinates or other dependent individuals to participate in the election campaign. Under Article 150 of the Criminal Code, it is unlawful to coerce an individual to perform an action abstinence from which is their right. Furthermore, prematurely closing kindergartens to allow personnel to attend a party meeting is an illegal use of administrative resources and demonstrates the systematic nature of the problem.

September 19: Physical attack on “National Movement” representatives in Zugdidi by several dozen individuals

• On September 19, on Baramia Street in Zugdidi, representatives of the “National Movement”, including the member of parliament Ana Tsitlidze, were conducting an election campaign when they were attacked by several dozen people who, according to Ana Tsitlidze, were members of the “Georgian Dream” headquarters. In the video footage released by “TV Pirveli”, the attackers can be seen to physically and verbally abuse officials of the “National Movement”, including Ana Tsitlidze. Due to the attack, the “National Movement” election event could not continue and failed.

To ensure that elections are conducted in a peaceful and fair environment, all political parties must be given the opportunity to conduct pre-election campaigns in a safe environment. To prevent the incident from inciting violence against opposition party supporters and interfering with election campaigns, the attackers must be identified and a timely, thorough, and impartial investigation conducted.

September 16: Allegedly illegal arrest of Zurab Abaev, the representative of the “National Movement”, and police violence against him 

• On September 16, police arrested Zurav Abaev, a representative of the “National Movement”, outside the party's main office. According to Abaev, the police assaulted him during his detention, and the beating continued in the car and at the police station as well. Abaev became incapacitated in the department, necessitating the call for medical assistance and transportation to the clinic, where it was discovered that he had sustained various injuries. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, law enforcement officers stopped Abaev for verification, during which he resisted the officers, and he was arrested under Articles 166 and 173 of the Administrative Offences Code of Georgia, which refer to disorderly conduct and non-compliance with a lawful order or demand of a law-enforcement officer.  

The circumstances indicate that Zurab Abaev was most likely illegally detained and mistreated. To ensure elections are conducted fairly, such cases must be investigated promptly, thoroughly, and impartially. The Special Investigation Service must establish all of the facts surrounding the case, including the existence of a political purpose for the violence and the potential wrongdoing of law enforcement officers

September 8: The mobilization of employees of budgetary organizations for the “Georgian Dream” party event in Akhaltsikhe.  

• On September 8, a party event of “Georgian Dream” was held in Akhaltsikhe. A significant number of individuals employed in the budgetary organizations, including those employed in schools and kindergartens, attended the meeting. Akhaltsikhe State University's lecturers instructed students of the same institution to participate in the same event, which also included a lecturer holding an administrative position. The students talked about the lack of comprehensive information regarding the event being a party event. One of the students stated that the lecturer even requested that they compile a list of the students who were going to the event.  

This is a concern, as it may be the result of the coercion of subordinates or other dependent individuals to participate in the election campaign. Under Article 150 of the Criminal Code, it is unlawful to coerce an individual to perform an action abstinence from which is their right. 

September 7-8: The mobilization of employees of budgetary organizations for the “Georgian Dream” party event in Khulo.  

• On September 7-8, the head of the Khulo Educational Resource Center, employees, principals of 11 public schools, and teachers were in attendance at party meetings held by members of the “Georgian Dream” electoral list in Khulo. 

This is a concern, as it may be the result of the coercion of subordinates or other dependent individuals to participate in the election campaign. This hypothesis is corroborated by the evidence, which indicates that the SSS and the governing party have exercised significant control over school principals in recent years as a demonstration of their loyalty to the ruling party. Under Article 150 of the Criminal Code, it is unlawful to coerce an individual to perform an action abstinence from which is their right. 

September 4: The arrest of the head of the Gldani election headquarters of the “National Movement” should be the subject of an investigation by the special investigation service regarding the potential use of excessive force. 

• On September 4, Irakli Edzgveradze, a member of the Tbilisi city Municipal Assembly and the head of the Gldani election headquarters of the “National Movement,” was administratively detained. The Ministry of Internal Affairs justified Edzgveradze's detention by claiming that the MP was obstructing the police during an ongoing investigation into drug crime close to his residence. The deputy of the Tbilisi City Council allegedly suffered abuse from the police while he was being detained, according to Edzgveradze's lawyer, Lasha Tkesheladze. Edzgveradze is accused of violating Articles 166 and 173 of the Administrative Offences Code of Georgia, which constitute disorderly conduct and non-compliance with a lawful order or demand of a law-enforcement officer. The detention of Edzgveradze occurred alongside the arrest of Irakli Nadiradze, another member of the “National Movement,” and Tbilisi City Municipal Assembly. Nadiradze was subsequently released on the basis of a signed statement. The court declared Edzgveradze and Nadiradze as offenders on September 12 and 13 and imposed fines of 2,700 and 2,500 GEL on them, respectively.

During the pre-election period, it is imperative that criminal prosecution or administrative offense proceedings of politically active individuals be conducted only in cases where there is an urgent necessity. Alternatively, it could be interpreted as political persecution.

August 30: The dismissal of the director of the public school of Nokalakevi village of Senaki, allegedly based on political grounds

• On August 30, Shorena Shamatava was dismissed from her role as director of the public school in the Senaki town of Nokalakevi, purportedly for political reasons. Since 2014, she had taken on the role of acting director. She claims that she openly supports the party of Giorgi Gakharia. She was informed that she would not be selected to the job of director by the chairman of the Education Resource Center after publicly expressing her political views. Shamatava claims that because she disagrees with the ruling party's policies, she has been subjected to psychological pressure for the past three years from the “Georgian Dream” and local self-government officials.

The decision-making procedure for appointing and dismissing the acting director is neither transparent nor predictable; there is good evidence that decisions have been taken in this process in previous years with the influence of the ruling party and SSS. Therefore, in the described scenario, there may be signs of dismissal based on political reasons.

August 26: The decree of the government encourages the non-transparent expenditure of funds by municipalities

• On August 26, the government passed a decree that, within the framework of the “Promoting the Development of Citizens’ Involvement” initiative, allows municipalities to receive construction works worth up to 34 million through simplified procurement. On July 23, the government adopted the initiative Promoting the Development of Citizens’ Involvement,” and it involves allocating 20 million GEL to municipalities. The allocated money should be used for projects implemented within the municipalities’ own authority, the final decision on the selection of which is made by the mayor of the municipality.

The aim of the allocated funds is vague and creates a risk of using them for pre-election purposes. According to the new decree, municipalities will be able to spend the allocated funds without tenders, with less transparent procedures.

August 23: “Georgian Dream's” candidate's participation in the activity financed from the budget in Zugdidi

• On August 23, State Representative Giorgi Guguchia and Zugdidi city Mayor Mamuka Tsotseria met with residents of the village of Jikhashkari in Zugdidi municipality to discuss the status of gasification operations. Davit Kodua, a candidate for parliament nominated by “Georgian Dream” in Zugdidi, attended the meeting along with them.

Davit Kodua does not currently hold a public position; he is a candidate for a member of parliament nominated by the ruling party, so his participation in the budget-funded activity represents a use of budgetary funds for the ruling party's candidate’s campaign, as well as creating the perception that the event is organized by the party.

August 23: The prime minister has announced that the government will ban opposition political parties and terminate parliamentary mandates of their members.

• On August 23, Prime Minister Kobakhidze stated that after the opposition parties would have been banned, their mandates would be revoked as well. According to him, if the ruling party obtains the constitutional majority in Parliament, they will ban the following opposition parties: UNM and its coalition members (Strategy Agmashenebeli and European Georgia), Coalition for Changes - Akhali, Girchi and Droa Lelo and its coalition, and Gakharia’s party. 

The prime minister has thus spelled out his party’s electoral promise: if they win the elections, there will be no opposition parties in Georgia, and the ruling party will cancel the election results for those hundreds of thousands of Georgians who are going to vote for those opposition parties.

August 21: Signs of forcible mobilization of budgetary organizations’ staffs at a Georgian Dream party’s event in Mtskheta

• On August 21, Georgian Dream, within the framework of its election campaign, held a party event in Mtskheta. In a video footage broadcast by TV Pirveli, it is evident that at the event some budgetary organizations’ employees, such as kindergarten attendants and school teachers, were present. The video has also located presumably a social security employment program beneficiary.

These facts are problematic because they may indicate coercive engagement of inferior public employees or otherwise dependent persons in the ruling party’s election campaign. Under Article 150 of the Criminal Code, forcing someone to perform or not to perform an action is a criminal offense.

August 18: Ruling party’s candidate participated in a state-budget-financed event

• On August 18, with the support of the Tetritskharo municipal government and a non-commercial organization, Culture and Sports Center, a public event, Manglisoba 2024 was held. An incumbent mayor of Bolnisi, who at the same time has been nominated a Georgian Dream candidate, and a delegate from Tetritskharo-Bolnisi-Dmanisi-Tsalka, Mr. David Sherazadishvili, took part in the event.

This fact is problematic because, as per international good practice, there must be a clear line between the State and the ruling party. When a ruling party’s candidate takes part in a budget-funded event, it makes an impression that the event is organized by the ruling party.   

August 16: CEC decision lowers transparency of election procedures and is at odds with law

• On August 16, the CEC passed a decision by which a draw for the division of roles between precinct commission members will take place at least 7 days prior to Election Day rather than on Election Day.

The CEC decision will make the process less transparent as it will make it impossible for observers to monitor the draws in more than 3000 polling stations at least 7 days ahead of Election Day. In addition, the decision is unlawful, as the Election Code does not leave it for the CEC to decide when such draws must take place. Instead, the law clearly provides that the draws must take place on Election Day. Furthermore, the decision fails to explain why such modifications were needed and necessary.

August 15: Communications Commission’s decision to fine Mtavari Arkhi unjustifiably infringes upon TV channel’s freedom of expression

• On August 15, the GNCC assessed Mtavari Arkhi’s two video footages as political advertisements and imposed a GEL 2,500 fine on the TV channel. The first footage describes how Radio Marneuli supports Georgia’s EU integration process. The second footage demonstrates, with the support of music, anti-Russian-law protests. According to the GNCC, “the footage drives the public perception against those political associations and their representatives who have voted for the adoption of the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence. Therefore, the GNCC considers that the video footages pursue an objective to prevent election of those political forces in the upcoming elections who are supportive of the above law.”

The GNCC decision unjustifiably infringes upon the TV channel’s freedom of expression. The GNCC has invoked a general provision of law and arbitrarily expanded the area of its application to extend the ban on political advertising to non-election periods, despite the fact that the law does not prohibit that. The decision sets a dangerous precedent for democracy as it lays down a standard banning any criticism of Parliament’s decisions. It is noteworthy that the videos do not contain any reference to any political party. Instead, they intend to criticize certain public policies, a conduct that is unthinkable to be restricted in a pluralistic society.

August 12: Zugdidi Mayor’s Office has launched mass rehabilitation of streets in the pre-election period

• On August 12, the Zugdidi Mayor’s Office announced a call for public tenders for the rehabilitation of 67 streets. The work should be completed in 2-3 months. The Zugdidi Mayor’s Office has never announced such a massive scale of work for the rehabilitation of streets before. Interestingly, the works were scheduled so that they were likely to be completed on or close to Election Day.

It is crucial for a healthy and competitive election environment that in the proximity of Election Day no such public programs be launched, as this way the incumbent party/candidate gains, at the taxpayers’ expense, serious advantages vis-à-vis their opponents. Such decisions, therefore, may be assessed as election-motivated budgetary spending.

August 11: The leader of the opposition was physically assaulted

• On August 11, in Samtredia, at the opening ceremony of the local office of the political coalition "Coalition for Change," one of the coalition's leaders, Nika Melia, was attacked by a person who physically and verbally insulted him.

To ensure that elections are conducted in a peaceful and fair environment, all political parties must be given the opportunity to conduct pre-election campaigns in a safe environment. The law enforcement agencies are required to investigate the circumstances of the case and identify the responsible person in a timely and objective manner.

August 10-11: TV Imedi promotes the Georgian Dream candidate using budget funds

• On August 10-11, Archil Beridze's solo concerts were held in Batumi, which were state-budget-financed. On August 16, the "Georgian Dream" announced Beridze's election candidacy. On the same day, TV Imedi aired a two-hour recording of Archil Beridze's solo concert from August 10. 

This fact is problematic because 5 days before Archil Beridze was publicly nominated as a candidate of the ruling party, a solo concert was funded by the state budget, and after he was nominated, a budget-funded concert was televised on TV Imedi. "TV Imedi" may have made an illegal donation in favor of the ruling party's candidate.

August 3: Individuals purportedly linked with the “Georgian Dream” hindered the Gakharia party from conducting its pre-election campaign in Batumi.

• On August 3, an effort to hinder the “Gakharia for Georgia” party's election campaign was documented in Batumi. According to the party's deputy chairperson, Natia Mezvrishvili, it was people employed in budgetary organizations, who at the same time are “Georgian Dream” activists, who attempted to disrupt the meeting.

For a healthy pre-election environment, all parties must be able to freely conduct election campaigns. The Ministry of Internal Affairs should provide a safe environment and prevent attempts to disrupt election events.

July 31 - August 5: Signs of use of administrative resources in regions 

• On August 1-5, Borjomi Municipality held a youth camp intended for students of the graduating class.
• Since August 1, the Ministry of Health & Social Affairs of Adjara started implementing new social programs:
  • Material assistance for socially vulnerable families, which provides monthly material assistance of 200 GEL to socially vulnerable families registered in Adjara.
  • Material support for families with newborn twins, according to which material support for families with newborn twins is increasing. From now on, the ministry will issue 1500 GEL instead of 1000 GEL per twin.
  • Funding of dental services for disabled persons under 30 years old. Funding includes therapeutic and surgical dental services.
• On August 1, the government adopted a resolution approving the beekeeping support program. Within the framework of the program, 50% of the cost of the hives will be financed for beekeepers, not more than 70 GEL per hive, but not more than 5,000 GEL per beneficiary. A total of 2 million GEL is planned to be allocated for the program.
• As of July 31, 63,558 individuals' total tax arrears of 361 million GEL had been waived off. The arrears’ write-off process began on June 25, with the adoption of government-initiated amendments to the tax code on May 29. According to the changes, any recognized tax arrears incurred and unpaid before January 1, 2021, including the penalties charged on them, will be totally written off. According to Irakli Kobakhidze, 145 thousand individuals will have their tax arrears of 590 million GEL totally waived off.

It is critical for a healthy and harmonious electoral climate that new state programs of this nature (described above) not be initiated shortly before the elections, because the state candidate/party gets a serious advantage at the expense of taxpayers. Consequently, these decisions can be categorized as election-motivated budgetary spending.

July 18, July 23: Election-motivated decrees of the government

• On July 23, the government issued a decree according to which 20 million GEL was allocated to municipalities to “promote the development of citizens' involvement”. The allocated money should be used for projects implemented within the municipalities' own authority, the final decision on the selection of which is made by the mayor of the municipality.
• On July 18, the government issued a decree, according to which 250,000 GEL was allocated to the government administration from the government's reserve fund, “to finance the necessary expenses of the events to be held for the appreciation of successful Georgians and promotion of their professions”.

The vague aim of the allocated funds creates a risk that the funds will be used for pre-election purposes.