Democracy in Action: IRI Observes Critical Electio...

2024 is the year of the election with 99 countries and potentially 1.8 billion people heading to the polls. Free and fair elections are a core component of a successful democracy and since 1983, IRI has led or supported over 200 international and citizen observation missions. The principle is simple - governments should be accountable to the people they serve peacefully through the ballot box.

This month, IRI will observe three important elections in in Mozambique, Moldova, and Georgia. These electoral contests will have far-reaching implications not only for the countries themselves but for regional and global security.

Mozambique: An Election for Democratic Stability

Mozambique's general election on October 9, 2024, is an important event for the country's political future. As it faces political and economic challenges, the outcome of this election could determine the course of its future. The political landscape is characterized by the longstanding dominance of Frelimo and the opposition Renamo, with occasional tensions rooted in the country's complex history. While there are ongoing concerns around governance and transparency, the election provides an opportunity for dialogue and incremental political reform. For Mozambique, the stakes are high, and the world is watching closely.

IRI has deployed a high-level mission to Mozambique, led by prominent figures like Dr. Succès Masra, the former Prime Minister of the Republic of Chad. Since August, IRI's team has engaged with political stakeholders, civil society organizations, and electoral authorities, working to ensure a transparent and fair election process. On election day, IRI's 24-member delegation will be stationed across 10 provinces, observing every step from polling station operations to the transmission of results. Following the election, IRI will deliver a comprehensive report on the electoral process, providing recommendations to further strengthen Mozambique's democratic institutions.

Moldova: Will Moldova Decide to Go West?

Moldova's presidential election between incumbent Maia Sandu and 11 other candidates, along with a referendum on European Union (EU) membership on October 20^th, comes at an important juncture in the country's democratic journey. Sandwiched between Romania, Ukraine and the Black Sea, Russia has a strong interest in trying to destabilize the country and push it away from the West. As it pursues European Union membership, this election will determine whether the country stays on its pro-European path or faces setbacks from internal and external pressures from the Kremlin and its allies. The outcome of this election will not only shape Moldova's future but also have significant implications for Eastern Europe's geopolitical stability, particularly in the face of ongoing Russian malign influence in the region.

IRI has worked in Moldova for over 20 years and is deploying an observation mission led by U.S. Congressman Peter Roskam and former EU Commissioner Danuta Hübner. The mission will engage with political parties, election administrators, and civil society to monitor the fairness, transparency, and inclusivity of the electoral process. Following election day, IRI will provide a preliminary assessment and a more comprehensive post-election report, ensuring that the election upholds Moldova's democratic principles and supports its European aspirations.

Georgia: A Test of Democracy

Situated in the critical crossroads between East, West and the Middle East, Georgia's democratic journey is under threat. New threats to political pluralism include a law that allows the government to impose fines on civil society organizations (CSO's) while potentially forcing them to register as foreign agents. The goal of this law is to weaken civil society and clamp down on dissenting voices.

Its parliamentary election on October 26, 2024, marks a crucial milestone in the country's political development. For the first time, the election will be held under a fully proportional representation system, a reform designed to enhance political inclusivity and ensure that all voices are heard. As Georgia continues to pursue European integration, this election will test its commitment to democratic reform and shape the country's political landscape for years to come.

IRI has been on the ground in Georgia since July, with long-term observers (LTOs) closely monitoring the pre-election environment. With the arrival of in October, IRI's mission will expand its focus to election day activities, ensuring that the process is transparent and credible. IRI's impartial observers will assess polling station operations, voter turnout, and ballot counting, providing an in-depth evaluation of the electoral process. The findings will be shared in a comprehensive report, offering guidance on future reforms and supporting Georgia's democratic aspirations.

The Importance of Election Observations in 2024 and beyond

As this historic year of elections nears its end, IRI's International Election Observation Missions remain crucial for safeguarding democracy worldwide. IRI has supported or led more than 200 election observation missions globally over its 40-year history.

In Mozambique, Moldova, and Georgia, IRI is playing an essential role in evaluating whether the electoral processes reflect the will of the people, promote transparency, and reinforce democratic governance. These elections not only hold significant implications for their respective regions but also contribute to the broader effort of strengthening democracy in an era of increasing global challenges.

The success of IRI's IEOMS is made possible through the support of our funders, including United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), and through collaboration with partners like the National Democratic Institute (NDI), whose efforts are vital to ensuring these missions contribute to transparent and credible elections around the world.

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