Coalition for Freedom of Choice Founded

Georgian non-governmental organizations established Coalition for Freedom of Choice. The coalition unites eight NGOs and two experts as it was announced at the today’s press-conference in the conference hall of the Media House “Palitra”.

The Coalition members are: Irakli Melashvili –expert for election issues; Zviad Koridze – media-expert; Kote Kandelaki – International Center of Civic Culture; Ucha Nanuashvili –Human Rights Center; Ia Mamaladze – Georgia’s Media-Monitoring Center; Giorgi Khutsishvili – International Center for Conflict and Negotiation; Davit Narmania – Caucasian Institute of Economy and Social Studies; Magda Popiashvili - Media Club of Georgia; Davit Losaberidze – Center of National Democracy Network and Resource Center for Civic Education- Murman Pataraia.

Head of Georgian Media Club Magda Popiahshvili said less than one year is left before the next parliamentary elections in Georgia and establishment of necessary legislative basis for fair and competitive election environment is urgently important.

She said the problems still remain in media freedom and human rights fields.

“Right of voters to freedom of choice cannot be guaranteed without resolving those problems. Active involvement of civil society organizations and the society in general in the formation process of normal election environment has particular significance. Monitoring of the election environment shall start now and not after the Election Day is set,” said Magda Popiashvili.

The Coalition for Freedom of Choice will draft recommendations on problematic issues and petition to authoritative institutions for farther respond. The Coalition members said in their struggle for the better election environment, they will cooperate with Georgian and international civil society organizations, political parties and diplomatic corps. They will also work in the regions of Georgia and cooperate with local non-governmental and media organizations