Georgian ombudswoman recommends postponement of municipal elections

Georgian Public Defender Nino Lomjaria said the October 2 municipal elections should be postponed due to the surging Covid-19 case figures.

Lomjaria wrote on Facebook that ‘yes, all freedoms may be restricted if human lives are at risk.’ 

Her post came in response to statements from mostly ruling Georgian Dream politicians who say there is no need to postpone the elections. 

Lomjaria says that "everyone knows elections are not the Election Day only. Elections in the country are connected with assemblies, demonstrations, etc."

According to her, a third academic school year is about to begin without in-person studies and amid warnings of health workers that they may not be able to ensure even ambulatory services. 

"Only human lives and health should be given priority in such a situation," Lomjaria said. 

Head of Georgia’s National Centre for Disease Control Amiran Gamkrelidze has responded that ‘the issue should not be politicized’ and advised Lomjaria to attend the coordinating council meeting on coronavirus issues to debate the topic, Agenda.ge reported.