TBILISI – Poll results released today by the National Democratic Institute (NDI or the Institute) and CRRC Georgia find that Georgians see insufficient progress on the top national issues of concern and think the situation regarding poverty, crime, territorial integrity, and education has gotten worse in the last 10 years. Public concerns are consistent across political affiliation, signaling opportunities for political parties to work together to address the common needs of Georgia’s citizens.

For Immediate Release

NDI Report: Georgia's Municipal Elections Dominated by National-Level Rhetoric, Overshadowing Local Concerns

December 15, 2021

Elections generally well administered but complaints of voter and candidate intimidation remained

WASHINGTON – Expert teams from the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) are visiting Tbilisi immediately ahead of the October 2, 2021, municipal elections and are calling on all political parties to uphold democratic principles by participating actively and in good faith during the elections and in the post-election period. If the parties genuinely commit themselves to constructive competition and dialogue rooted in citizen interests, Georgia can maintain its legitimate place among the region's democracies.

GEORGIAN PARTIES CAN ENHANCE CONFIDENCE IN ELECTIONS BY FOCUSING ON CITIZEN PRIORITIES AND ADHERING TO DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES 

The political rivalries that have consumed Georgian politics threaten to unravel 30 years of democratic progress. 

WASHINGTON – The National Democratic Institute (NDI, or the Institute) announced today the start of a series of high-level meetings ahead of the 2021 Georgian municipal elections. The meetings aim to demonstrate support for  Georgia’s democratic development and European and Euro-Atlantic integration and reinforce the international community’s expectation for adherence by all to the principles of genuine democratic elections and political processes. 

TBILISI – Poll results released today by the National Democratic Institute (NDI or the Institute) and CRRC  Georgia find that Georgians remain concerned about the state of the economy and healthcare. Following months of political crisis and the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the public is pessimistic about the direction of their country and the performance of institutions. Looking forward, Georgians expect their elected representatives to prioritize policies that address their pressing economic and social concerns.