Canada has expressed concern about the problems in the October 26 parliamentary election in Georgia, which were noted by international observers, and plans to review its relations with Georgian authorities, Global Affairs Canada announced in a statement.

Ottawa noted that it takes note of the parliamentary election results as announced by Georgia’s central election commission, but is concerned with widespread acts of voter intimidation, vote buying, and other election day irregularities reported by impartial observers.

Such incidents “must be investigated and addressed. Canada strongly believes that free, fair, and independent elections are the cornerstone of a democratic society. In coordination with our G7 and European partners, and in light of the conduct and results of this election, Canada will reassess its relationship with the Georgian leadership. Canada remains open to cooperation with Georgia, as long as the Georgian leadership respects democracy, human rights, rule of law and addresses the recent democratic backsliding," Global Affairs Canada added.

Also, it called for “calm by all parties and for the Georgian authorities to respect the rights and security of individuals in the context of peaceful protests.”