The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) announced it will not deploy an election observation mission for Georgia’s upcoming local elections on October 4, citing the late timing of the official invitation from Georgian authorities.

In a statement released today, ODIHR expressed concern that the invitation, issued less than a month before election day, does not allow adequate time for the preparation required for a credible and meaningful observation mission.

“Transparent and credible election observation requires thorough preparation and an ability to access key stages of the election process, in line with our comprehensive methodology. Regrettably, the Georgian authorities’ decision to invite us at such a late stage prevents meaningful observation,” said ODIHR Director Maria Telalian. “We nonetheless hope to continue our longstanding co-operation with Georgia’s institutions and civil society to strengthen democracy and human rights.”

ODIHR emphasized that it has consistently received timely invitations to observe past local elections in Georgia — including in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2017, and 2021 — enabling the organization to effectively implement its observation methodology.

As an OSCE participating State, Georgia is committed to holding democratic elections in line with international standards. While ODIHR will not be commenting on the upcoming elections due to its non-involvement, the organization confirmed it will continue monitoring developments in Georgia related to democratic governance, human rights, and the rule of law.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced on September 6 that the government had formally invited ODIHR to send an observation mission for the October 4 elections.