Today, Global Affairs Canada issued the following statement on the parliamentary election in Georgia:
"As a friend, partner and longstanding supporter of Georgia, Canada notes the official results of the October 26, 2024, parliamentary election as announced by the country's central election commission.
"However, Canada is concerned with widespread acts of voter intimidation, vote buying and other election day irregularities reported by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and other impartial observers. This must be investigated and addressed. Canada strongly 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 this election, Canada will reassess its relationship with the Georgian leadership. Canada remains open to cooperation with Georgia, as long as the Georgian leadership respects democracy, human rights, rule of law and addresses the recent democratic backsliding.
"We call for calm by all parties and for the Georgian authorities to respect the rights and security of individuals in the context of peaceful protests.
"We commend Georgians for actively participating in the election process, including as voters, polling staff and citizen observers."
