As of 10:00 AM, a total of 324,197 voters have cast their ballots in the ongoing parliamentary elections, representing 9.27% of registered voters. This information was shared by Natia Ioseliani, spokesperson for the Central Election Commission (CEC), during a briefing.
Ioseliani highlighted that some instances of interference in the work of electoral commissions have been reported. She urged the media to adhere to legal guidelines during the election process. “The election administration continues to inform voters and participants about the voting day proceedings. So far, the voting process at polling stations has been mostly peaceful, although some cases of interference with the work of electoral commissions have been noted. We call on political parties, monitoring organizations, and media representatives to comply with the law, avoid interfering in the functions of the commissions, and contribute to conducting the electoral process in a calm environment,” Ioseliani stated.
She reminded everyone that only one observer is allowed per local monitoring organization at a polling station, while international organizations can have up to two observers, and media organizations can have two representatives as well.
In terms of reported irregularities, the CEC emphasized that there was a claim of one voter receiving two ballots; however, they clarified that the ballot counting machines cannot physically accept two ballots at once. Any mechanical error in the ballot issuance process is identified on-site, and there has not been a case of the machine accepting two ballots simultaneously.
Additionally, she said there was an incident involving a representative of one political party taking photos of a ballot in the voting booth, which is strictly prohibited. The CEC reiterated the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of the voting process.
Ioseliani said portable ballot boxes have been deployed for voters who are unable to attend polling stations due to health reasons. It is important to note that voters using portable boxes will also be marked accordingly.
Election laws prohibit campaigning within polling places today and within 25 meters of their entrances. CEC spokesperson reminded that physical obstruction of voters entering polling places is also not allowed. Furthermore, gatherings of people or monitoring of voters are prohibited within 100 meters of polling locations.
Lastly, Ioseliani reminded that no pre-election paid or free advertisements are allowed on television or radio until 8:00 PM, and the release of public opinion poll results related to the elections is also prohibited at this time.
