Georgian prime minister Georgi Kvirikashvili has urged people across the political spectrum to adopt a 'code of conduct' ahead of the upcoming legislative elections. He also urged his own supporters to stay calm and respect the democratic process. The campaign, ahead of the vote on October 8, started two weeks ago.
"I urge Georgia's state agencies, their staff, to exercise prudence and caution in all their actions, regardless of their political sympathies, to ensure that such actions do not appear to favour one party or another," he said in a statement.
"It is vitally important to ensure to a maximum extent equal access to resources. I urge everyone against using administrative resources for political goals."
There have been some concerns about the democratic process in Georgia, following violence between supporters of the ruling Georgian Dream party and opposition United National Movement at a by-election last month. Kvirikashvili has urged for more international observers to come to Georgia to monitor the polls in the autumn.
"As the leader of the ruling team, I address our supporters: The strongest point and advantage of our government lies within our attitude towards our opponents and different opinions," he said.
"This is why it is crucial to maintain this approach and to avoid even the slightest perception of administrative resources being misused by us in any way. We do not need it because we enjoy our people's support in the first place!"
SOURCE: gov.ge and agencies