Conference: “The 2014 Local Elections: Lessons Learned and Steps Ahead”

Tuesday, 16 September 2014, Hotel Courtyard Marriott, Tbilisi

Speech Pearl Pedergnana, Member of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (Switzerland, SOC)

10:45 – 11:40: 2014 Local Elections Environment

Panel chaired by Kefi Misuradze, Deputy Chief of Party, International Foundation for Electoral Systems Office in Georgia, IFES

Dear participants,

The Congress’ observations and recommendations are also in our draft Report which will be adopted at the next Congress Plenary Session in automn.

Our electoral mission took place from 12 to 16 June and a smaller pre-electoral delegation was here on 28 and 29 May. This pre-electoral visit makes it possible to evaluate the broader electoral environment. Our overall assessment of a vote includes the political landscape, the legal framework, party financing, the campaign, the role of the media and the complaints and appeals system are elements, too. These parts of the electoral environment are of importance, according to our Resolution 306. Both, the pre-electoral visit and the main observation mission, contributed to the following overall view of the situation:

-       First of all, we can say that these elections were generally well run, technically professionally prepared, notably at the level of the Central Election Commission.

-       From the legal perspective, we are satisfied that the government established the 50% plus one vote-threshold for the direct election of Mayors and Gamgebelis. By this decision, the local executive bodies were elected by the majority of citizens who used their right to vote. This is an important contribution to the strengthening of democracy at the grassroot level.

-       In the pre-electoral period there was also progress visible concerning the prevention of misuse of administrative resources for campaign purposes, especially compared with our observations made in 2010.

-       I also want to mention positively the government’s programme to avoid duplications in the voters’ list and electoral fraud, the so-called “One Voter – One-Vote-Project”, and for sure also the work of SAO.

-       The Congress was pleased to receive reports about free access to the media for the contestants, and normal working conditions for the journalists. The fact that voters and in particular public service employees were able to vote without pressure has to be underlined as well.

-       We were also very impressed by the high level of active and constructive involvement of the Georgian civil society in observing these elections.

So, as you might have noticed, I have mentioned more than 8 themes positively or even very positively. Now I will mention 8 topics that belong to the continuous improvement of elections:

-       1. The composition of the election commissions: We think the precinct and district election commissions should represent the power of the political parties. So for future elections, we invite the Georgian authorities to ensure a more equal representation of parties in power and in opposition, in these commissions.

-       2. The right to run for Mayor or Gamgebeli: This right should be widened. We strongly recommend that Georgia permits independent candidates to run for City Mayor or Gamgebeli.

-       3. The party neutrality of the IATF: The public needs to know where to go with complaints concerning the elections. The voters need an organisation that is trustworthy and independent of the government. This may be the CEC or the IATF, the Inter Agency Task Force for Free and Fair Elections. A strong state commission should ensure free and fair elections most effectively. We recommend party neutrality at the managerial level of this body. To put it plainly, we don’t think that it is a good idea to have a minister or high government representative in the Chair of the IATF.

-       4. The management of the counting: We suggest to organise training programmes for members of precinct and district commissions, in order to improve the electoral documentation and specially the counting procedures.

-       5. Further areas worth reviewing: The residence requirements for passive voting rights at local level, the equality of the vote and the no-confidence procedures against directly elected Mayors and Gambgebelis are also areas worth reviewing.

-       6. Forcing female candidatures: More women than men went to vote. It might be irritating that this does not lead to a high number of female City Mayors and Gamgebelis. This is not the case. Only 11 percent of the elected politicians are female. This means that the government has to take measures to improve the gender balance of candidates for City Mayors and Gamgebelis. 

-       7. The blanket suspension of all public servants in the local self-governance bodies:
We believe there is a further need of legislation. For members of old democracies it is clear that Georgia needs a legislative clause that in the long term will strengthen the government. Why should experts and good workers choose to work for the government if they have to fear to lose their jobs every four years? For us it is clear: The personal secretary and the chief officer might lose their jobs when a new person or another party is in power. But the public servants are serving the public, not the party. We strongly advise to legislate on this matter.

-       8. Avoid aggressiveness: Last but not least, I want to emphasise the need to avoid aggressiveness, violence and pressure-making during electoral campaigns. I know that this is sometimes easier said than done – but Georgia’s potential to organise future elections in a genuinely democratic manner stands and falls with the maturity and responsibility of the political actors. I hope that this conference can develop also some practical solutions in this respect.

Thank you for your attention!