Diter Boden: using OSCE guidelines, Georgia can hold free elections

The responsiveness of the Georgian party to recommendations of the Observation Mission of the Office of Democratic Institutes and Human Rights of the OSCE (OSCE/ODIHR) for elections in Georgia will ultimately allow holding fair elections in this country. This was stated by Mission Head Diter Boden in his interview to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent while giving comments on the pre-electoral situation in the country:

"Did you have a chance to assess the readiness of voters' lists to presidential elections on January 5?"

"We know very well that this is a key issue. Every week we meet members of the Central Electoral Commission and discuss the need to update the lists. <...>

One should also remember that the electors will be marked with the Quint ink on the voting day, and it will unable the organizers to keep the situation under control. Nobody will be able to vote twice."

"What are the current opportunities to verify voters' lists?"

"As far as I know, there is time to verify the voters' data in the website of the Central Electoral Commission. That is, there is an opportunity to make checks on this basis: to make fewer mistakes and avoid falsification. I think this is a unique chance. <...>"

"To what extent does the Georgian party account for the election recommendations of international institutes?"

"Well, the Georgian party has followed our recommendations and lowered the barrier for political parties to enter the Parliament from 7 down to 5 percent. <...>"

"What do you think about the statements of the opposition that candidate Saakashvili is making use of the state securities, state helicopter and other transport means for running his pre-election campaign?"

"Yes, I know that charges of this sort were expressed. But one should be precise in particular evidences. We are told that all these expenses are covered from the funds of the National Movement. Those who make such statements should present facts. <...>"