Watchdog alleges pressure on voters ahead of Georgian elections

The head of the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED), Nino Dolidze, on Tuesday raised concerns about alleged voter pressure ahead of Georgia’s October 26 general elections. In a press briefing, Dolidze claimed the organization’s long-term observers had reported numerous incidents in which individuals campaigning for the ruling Georgian Dream party have tried to coerce voters, including employees of state-funded organizations.

Dolidze highlighted instances where ruling party activists allegedly asked some voters to hand over their identity documents temporarily. These incidents were reported in several regions, including Zugdidi, Borjomi, Khashuri, Lagodekhi, Gurjaani, and Kvareli. ISFED has warned that interfering with voter choice is a criminal offense under Georgia’s criminal code and urged citizens not to comply with such requests.

In addition to document-related allegations, the watchdog claims that managers at some public and private institutions are instructing employees to compile lists of potential ruling party supporters. These incidents reportedly occurred in Tbilisi, Bolnisi, Lagodekhi, Chokhatauri, Gurjaani, Kareli, Sagarejo, Kvareli, Telavi, and Dedoplistskaro. ISFED described this practice as unlawful, stressing that collecting and processing voter data without consent is illegal.

Further claims involved reports of ruling party activists offering goods, fuel vouchers, or services in exchange for votes in various locations, including Tbilisi, Zugdidi, Akhalkalaki, Kareli, Kaspi, Borjomi, and Khashuri. Dolidze reminded voters that such acts of bribery are criminally punishable and urged citizens to report any instances of vote-buying.

The organization also responded to claims that ruling party activists were spreading misinformation about election technology, suggesting that devices used on election day would reveal voter preferences. Dolidze emphasized that the use of voter verification and vote-counting machines is secure, as the devices are not interconnected, and ballots do not contain identifying information, thus ensuring voting secrecy.

ISFED has called on state authorities to investigate the alleged violations and take appropriate measures. The organization, which has been monitoring the electoral process since June 1, 2024, continues to publish its findings and advocate for fair election practices in Georgia.