Speaking on the importance of a peaceful transfer of power, Senator Jeanne Shaheen cited the example of the 2012 elections in Georgia.

“In 2012 elections, when [Mikheil] Saakashvili was a President and his party lost the elections, I was there with my colleague Senator Risch and was observing the election on behalf of the Senate. We have seen free and fair elections in Georgia.

There was a lot of excitement among [Mikheil] Saakashvili supporters then, and after the election we went to the Presidential Palace to meet with [Mikheil] Saakashvili to convince him of the need to relinquish power, because it was important for democracy. Our attempt was successful, he resigned and called on his supporters to accept the election results”, - said Jeanne Shaheen.