Giorgi Kalandarishvili, Chairperson of the Central Election Commission (CEC), and Giorgi Javakhishvili, Secretary of CEC, participated in joint debates of the Venice Commission, Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Debates, titled "Towards Trusted and Inclusive Electoral Processes: The Role of Observers", were held in Paris.

The primary objective of the event was to assess the persistent and emerging challenges faced by observers in member states; to examine the effectiveness and limitations of existing legal instruments for the protection of observers` rights; to discuss possible avenues for further action; and to contribute to an informed dialogue on the potential added value, scope, and feasibility of a binding instrument of the Council of Europe.

Giorgi Kalandarishvili, Chairperson of the Central Election Commission, spoke in a debate format on the experience of Georgia’s election administration, the inclusive electoral environment, and the activities undertaken to enhance the credibility and transparency of elections.

"Joint debates provide an opportunity for the organizers to receive directly from us objective and verified information on all relevant issues around which certain concerns may exist and which may play a significant role in shaping public opinion. In my address, I spoke about the role of international and domestic observation organizations and the importance of objectivity and impartiality in the observation process itself.

It is important that reports and assessments on elections be based on factual evidence and not derive from the political outcomes of the elections.

Furthermore, within the framework of the discussion, it was emphasized how important it is for all stakeholders to respect the conclusions of international observer organizations, such as the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, and to take their recommendations into account, as without recognition of these conclusions the significance of the observation process itself is effectively undermined", - said Giorgi Kalandarishvili.

During the debates, particular attention was devoted to the role of domestic and international observers as stakeholders in the electoral process, as well as to the legal frameworks governing observation, including guarantees, shortcomings, good practices, and challenges. The parties also discussed a joint strategy and subsequent steps to strengthen electoral integrity and public trust.