British Ambassador Judith Gough (right) and U.S. Ambassador Richard Norland speak with journalists outside one of the polling stations in Tbilisi, October 1. U.S. embassy photo.

Political leaders “on all sides have told us they will respect the results of a credible process, and will actively encourage their supporters to do the same,” U.S. ambassador to Georgia, Richard Norland, said on October 1.

“The campaigning is over and the results of the election are now in the hands of Georgia’s voters.  This is a genuinely competitive occasion. Despite numerous claims and predictions, no one knows in advance what the outcome of today’s voting will be. Each and every Georgian voting today will help decide the outcome,” he said.

“As observers, we have been asked to monitor compliance with international standards and report any violations.  We hope there will not be violations, but if there are we will report them, regardless of who commits them. Everyone wants a credible election result. Leaders on all sides have told us they will respect the results of a credible process, and will actively encourage their supporters to do the same.”

“That is what we expect, and what the people of Georgia expect and deserve. We encourage the public to stay calm, have faith, and be patient while all the results are counted and any challenges are properly evaluated. Georgians should be proud of this day.  The international community will continue to do its part in supporting Georgian democracy and the Georgian people,” he added.