Nearly 250 observers of ISFED will monitor the 2019 by-elections
The International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) will monitor the 19 May 2019 by-elections through nearly 250 short-term observers and 10 mobile groups. ISFED observers will be represented at all electoral precincts in Zugdidi, Marneuli and Mtatsminda Districts where they will observe the elections using the Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) methodology. The methodology allows immediate detection of violations, systemic evaluation of the Election Day process and verification of accuracy of official results. The monitoring mission for the May 19 by-elections is carried out with the support from the United States Agency for International Development and the Embassy of the United Kingdom. ISFED will issue statements to keep the public informed about results of the monitoring.
Against the background of the increased tension and growing political turmoil in the last days of the election period, to conduct the Election Day in a peaceful manner, it is of utmost importance that the electoral administration operates effectively. Any interference with functions of the electoral administration should be avoided.
ISFED urges:
- Political parties, candidates and their supporters to refrain from escalating the electoral environment and not to transform the political tensions into the regime that may harm the electoral process; not to interfere with the electoral administration in the process of fulfillment of its statutory authority;
- The electoral administration – to fulfill its authority in full abidance by the law;
- The law enforcement bodies –to ensure conduct of the Election Day in a peaceful and safe environment.
The monitoring mission of the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy is made possible with the support of the American People, with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Opinions expressed in this statement belong solely to ISFED and do not necessarily reflect positions of USAID or the British Government.