OSCE Mission calls for amendments to Georgian election code to enhance credibility of parliamentary election

TBILISI, 4 August 2003 - The OSCE Mission to Georgia expresses its concern that deadlines set through broad agreement of Georgian political parties in early July for the adoption of amendments to the Unified Election Code have not yet been met.

The delay in adopting these amendments, which include broad anti-fraud measures and the creation of a credible election administration, hinders efforts to ensure that the 2 November parliamentary election takes place according to OSCE commitments.

The OSCE Mission reaffirms its willingness, under the auspices of the Chairman-in-Office, to assist Georgia in the selection of a Chairperson of the Central Election Commission, the composition of which would be determined based on principles agreed to by a broad spectrum of political parties in early July, ensuring the credibility of the Commission.

The OSCE Mission to Georgia calls on the Government and political parties to forge a national commitment to pass amendments to the election code without further delay.