Tbilisi. On November 21, International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) presented an interim report of pre-election monitoring of the second round of the 2018 elections of President of Georgia. The document contains a review of the period from October 29 through November 19.

"In comparison to the first round, the pre-election environment of the second round is characterized by even sharper polarization and negative campaign. Aggressive rhetoric is increased during the period between the first and second rounds. Right upon completion of the first round, representatives of the ruling party made disturbing statements and predictions regarding threats of civil war and possible destabilization in case an opposition candidate wins. Later, an independent candidate, supported by the ruling party, declared about reception of life threatening messages. The media is sharply polarized between the first and second rounds. At the beginning of the second round, the TV Company "Imedi” made a statement about transitioning to "emergency mode” against "United National Movement” and Grigol Vashadze, while the TV Company "Rustavi 2” sharply expresses its support to the opposition candidate”, - the report reads.

Source:The website of the organization