Georgia: still a long path ahead to catch up with Europe

Georgia is still on it’s way to improvements to catch up with the European standards and hold democratic and fair elections”, - head of the European Council’s parliamentary delegation, Matthias Eorsh told journalists after having held an hour’s caucus with Zurab Chiaberashvili, chairman for the CEC. The CoE envoy was reported on the preceding works provided by the CEC for the March 28 parliamentary elections in Georgia. The parties tackled the issue of the pre elections’ period in the Ajara Autonomous Republic. Matthias Eorsh said Ajarian authorities have to take all measures in their hands to hold fair elections. The CoE envoy emphasized, holding elections problem free, on the principles of democracy, is strictly within the interests of Aslan Abashidze, leader of Ajara. Mr. Eorsh estimated the bulk of the readied works positive. Matthias Eorsh said the CoE is signaling willingness to provide assistance to the CEC, to elaborate administering of the election system. However, the CoE recommendation on lowering the 7 % hurdle, and keeping to the parity principle in selection of the CEC commissioners – seem to remain heedless and moreover, hurled down: Chiaberashvili said those were general provisions and dealt with the legislative body.