ISFED interim election report points at coercion of school personnel in election campaign

An interim report for the October 2 municipal elections by International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) has pointed at direct or indirect coercion of persons employed in educational institutions around the country in the ruling Georgian Dream party election campaign. 

 

The NGO has released the Interim Official Pre-Election Monitoring Report for the 2021 Municipal Elections earlier today, which covers the period from August 3 to August 30, 2021, as well as separate events from March 3 to August.

During the reporting period the NGO revealed: 

Alleged forced dismissal for political reasons – 15 cases. 

Alleged political pressure, threats, obstruction – 11 cases.

Alleged use of administrative resources – 13 cases.

Alleged agitation through social media – 6 cases.

Alleged voter bribery – 4 – 8 facts. 

The NGO says that the ruling party has shown a tendency to obstruct the observation of ISFED representatives throughout Georgia.