U.S. Senator Jim Risch, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the statement on the local elections held in Georgia.

“This weekend’s elections in Georgia were incredibly disappointing and a dramatic departure from the 2012 elections that I observed.

I am troubled by extensive reports of intimidation and vote-buying. As the Georgian government organizes this second round, it should address the issues highlighted by the OSCE, particularly the violence seen during the election period, and the uneven playing field for those parties challenging the ruling party. A fair and open election process is the hallmark of robust democracy”, - said the Senator.