Echoing OSCE observation mission’s findings, the U.S. Department of State said Georgia’s May 30 local elections marked progress towards meeting international standards for democratic elections.

“But we also agree with the OSCE that significant shortcomings need to be addressed,” Philip J. Crowley, a spokesman for the Department of State, said on June 2.

“We are encouraged by the Central Election Commission’s efforts to increase transparency and responsiveness to electoral concerns,” he said.

The Central Election Commission (CEC) said on June 2 that results in five precincts were annulled, because of violations observed during the vote count in those polling stations and in one case – precinct in Mestia district - vote summary protocol was missing.

CEC has time to approve final vote tally protocol till June 23.