2016-05-23
I would like to condemn the violence occurred near one of the polling stations in Samegrelo during the intermediate self-government elections. This inflicted major damage upon the state and each of us. Investigation has already been launched and I expect the Ministry of Internal Affairs to indicate all alleged perpetrators of the violence who will be punished to the full extent.
Legislation in force does not foresee relevant punishment for such kind of felony. Hence, I would like to assign the Ministry of Justice to elaborate relevant legislative amendments and present them during the upcoming Cabinet Session. Respective draft clauses shall provide for the stricter sentences for violence during the political and electoral processes.
The Government will not permit violence in the electoral process. We will strictly punish perpetrators of such crimes notwithstanding the political force that he/she supports. We aim to ensure adherence to the democratic standards in the electoral process. Citizens shall be enabled to make a choice and all political actors shall be provided with calm and competitive electoral environment.
Prime Minister of Georgia
Giorgi Kvirikashvili