TBILISI -- U.S. Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan has warned for the second time since early July that Russia will likely try to interfere in the upcoming parliamentary elections in the South Caucasus country.
"Georgia should expect that Russia is going to interfere in the elections. There is a long pattern of interference through disinformation campaigns and other efforts that have been fairly consistent, not just related to the election but in general, and this is something that the United States Embassy, as well as other international donors, have initiatives to try and raise awareness among Georgian public and to help Georgians be able to discern, to tell the difference between fake news and accurate reporting," Degnan said at a press conference in Tbilisi on August 31.
"Again, I think the political leaders getting out there with their campaigns that are designed to educate the voters about the issues that are important to them -- education, economic recovery, health care -- this is the way to ensure the voters go to the polls well-informed and ready to cast their ballots, and the best way push back against disinformation from Russia or anywhere else," Degnan said.
On July 1, Degnan expressed similar concerns during a panel discussion organized by the Georgian Institute of Politics in Tbilisi.
Parliamentary elections in Georgia are scheduled for October 31.
Related
Editors' Picks
Top Trending
1
Greenland Elections: Go American, Stay Danish, Or Go It Alone?
2US Threatens Possible Military Response After Tehran Rejects Nuclear Outreach
3Ukrainian Female Prisoners Swap Cells For Combat Unit Roles
4Ukraine's Opposition Leaders Reject Holding Wartime Elections
5Ukraine Will Need To Make Land Concessions In Any Peace Deal, Rubio Says
6'Russia's Goals Unchanged' After Deadly Air Strikes On Ukraine, Says Zelenskyy
7Analysis: Ukraine Forced To Saudi Talks With Fewer Cards Than Ever
8Ukraine Is Trying To Root Out Corruption. Is It Enough To Silence Critics?
9Russia Steps Up Attacks, Battlefield Gains As Trump Questions Ukraine's Survival
10How Important Is US Intelligence For Ukraine's War Effort?
RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.
If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.
To find out more, click here.