Deputy Interior Minister clarifies role of Special Tasks Department in “election security”

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Aleksandre Darakhvelidze, has denied reports that territorial groups, created by the Minister’s order ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections, will be led by the Special Tasks Department.

In his press comments, the official claimed the groups will instead be led by regional police department directors and include various police units, such as the patrol police, central criminal police, and the Special Tasks Department. Additional units like the security police and the emergency management service may also be involved if needed.

According to Darakhvelidze, the formation of territorial groups is a standard procedure that has been in place since the 2016 elections.

The official claimed their primary function is to ensure a peaceful and secure environment during the voting process. “These groups will mainly focus on maintaining order around election precincts, entering the premises only upon request by the precinct chairperson for specific events”, he noted.