GD Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated that the ruling Georgian Dream party sees no need to invite the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) to observe the upcoming 2025 local elections. His remarks came in response to a journalist’s question following a public call by the British Embassy for international observation of the elections.
“There is generally no such practice of inviting OSCE/ODIHR to observe local elections,” Kobakhidze said. “There have been exceptions, including in 2021, when those elections were linked to broader parliamentary developments. In some countries, OSCE/ODIHR has monitored local elections, but again, those are rare exceptions. As a rule, OSCE/ODIHR missions are invited to parliamentary elections.”
He added that the 2025 municipal elections are expected to be conducted in a “completely healthy manner,” without the need for international observers.
“You know that the OSCE/ODIHR observed our parliamentary elections and issued a report. However, the very people now calling for OSCE/ODIHR’s presence ignored that report at the time. That contradiction speaks for itself,” Kobakhidze concluded.
The statement comes amid heightened scrutiny of Georgia’s democratic institutions and electoral integrity. The British Embassy’s appeal for OSCE/ODIHR involvement underscores ongoing concerns among international partners regarding transparency and trust in the upcoming vote.
