The European Network of Election Monitoring Organizations (ENEMO) has issued a strong statement condemning recent actions by Georgian authorities targeting the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED), a respected civil society group and long-standing ENEMO member.

At the request of the Prosecutor’s Office, a Tbilisi City Court judge ordered the freezing of bank accounts belonging to ISFED and several other civil society organizations. ENEMO called the move a “severe attempt to obstruct the legitimate work of independent election monitors” ahead of Georgia’s upcoming local elections.

“These actions threaten the transparency and accountability of the electoral process, and undermine public confidence in Georgia’s democratic institutions,” the statement reads.

ISFED has played a critical role for decades in monitoring elections through professional, impartial, and independent observation. ENEMO stressed that targeting such organizations with what it described as repressive measures not only endangers their work but also violates Georgia’s constitutional guarantees and international obligations, particularly the right to freedom of association.

“Credible elections cannot take place without the presence of impartial citizen observers who ensure accountability, document violations, and reinforce public trust in the process,” ENEMO emphasized. “Any attempt to restrict their activities directly jeopardizes the integrity of elections and the democratic choice of Georgian citizens.”

ENEMO, which has previously deployed election observation missions in Georgia, reaffirmed the importance of civil society’s role in ensuring electoral transparency and called on Georgian authorities to:

• Immediately lift the restrictive measures imposed on ISFED and other affected organizations;

• Cease further actions that could impede the work of independent election observers;

• Respect Georgia’s Constitution and international human rights commitments;

• Ensure a safe and enabling environment for civil society to operate without intimidation or reprisals.

The statement concluded with a message of full solidarity:
“ENEMO expresses its full support for ISFED and the wider Georgian civil society, commending their ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability in the face of increasing pressure from the Government of Georgia and the ruling party, Georgian Dream.”