Transparency International Georgia slams election administration’s new procedure

Transparency International – Georgia (TI) on Thursday condemned a recent resolution by the Central Election Commission (CEC), claiming it violated the law ahead of the October 26 general elections.

TI Georgia said the CEC’s August 16 resolution mandated the distribution of functions among polling station members occur seven days before the election, rather than on election day itself. It argued that the change undermined the transparency of the election process and contradicted the election code.

The distribution of functions, such as voter registrar and flow regulator, has traditionally been decided by lottery on election day. TI emphasized the importance of the procedure, which it said ensured through voter verification, prevented double voting, and managed voter marking.

Previously, this lottery was conducted between 7:00 am and 8:00 am on election day, allowing local and international observers, media, and political party representatives to witness the process.

TI Georgia warned the new rule could make it nearly impossible to mobilize sufficient observers across over 3,000 precincts in Georgia and abroad, thereby diminishing the transparency of the procedure.

The organization urged the CEC to revoke the resolution and adhere to the Election Code’s original deadlines for the lottery procedure.

Georgia’s parliamentary elections are scheduled for October 26, 2024. Seats will be allocated exclusively through a proportional representation system, with parties crossing the five percent threshold receiving mandates.