​On 15-16 June, the EA group Vice-President Jerzy Zajakala took part in a joint CoR-Council Europe delegation to observe local elections in Georgia.
 
The delegation, which comprised 22 members from 15 European countries, met with representatives of the Government, the Central Election Commission, representatives of political parties, candidates, NGO representatives and media.  More than 70 polling stations were visited, full access was granted and all the necessary information disclosed.
Mr. Zajakala said during the press conference that no signs of violence or intimidation were reported and that overall the delegation saw a rather well organized, orderly and peaceful process which allowed voters to participate in the ballots.

Mr. Zajakala declared that participating in such election observation missions is a way in which the CoR contributes to the promotion of local democracy and the local institutional structure in Georgia and the strengthening of the Eastern Partnership.
 
The elections took place at a crucial moment as the EU and Georgia are planned to sign the Association Agreement soon.  After seeing the way the elections were run, we are even more confident that the link between Georgia and the EU is getting stronger, Mr. Zajakala concluded.