Statement on parliamentary elections in Georgia

28 October 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

Today, Global Affairs Canada released the following statement regarding the parliamentary elections in Georgia:

“As a friend, partner and longtime supporter of Georgia, Canada notes the official results of the parliamentary elections on October 26, 2024, announced by the country’s Central Election Commission.

“However, Canada is concerned about the widespread acts of voter intimidation, vote-buying and other election day violations reported by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and other impartial observers. This needs to be investigated and resolved. Canada firmly believes that free, fair and independent elections are the cornerstone of a democratic society.

“In coordination with our G7 and European partners, and in light of the conduct and results of these elections, Canada will reassess its relationship with the Georgian leadership. Canada remains open to working with Georgia as long as the Georgian leadership respects democracy, human rights, the rule of law and addresses the recent rollback of democracy.

“We call on all parties to remain calm and the Georgian authorities to respect the rights and safety of people in the context of peaceful protests.

“We are grateful to Georgians for their active participation in the election process, including as voters, employees of polling stations and public observers.”