“The election administration is committed to conducting modernized elections by the law, ensuring transparency and a high level of professionalism. For the first time, electronic devices will be utilized at 90% of polling stations, while 10% of ballots will be digitized following the completion of the voting process,” stated Giorgi Kalandarishvili, Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC), during the final briefing.

The CEC Chairman highlighted the reforms and initiatives that have enhanced the electoral environment and facilitated the process for all stakeholders involved. He expressed gratitude to administrative bodies, local and international organizations, political parties, and the media for their collaboration.

Giorgi Kalandarishvili noted that over 1,700 observers from 76 international organizations, approximately 23,000 observers from 111 local organizations, and more than 2,800 representatives from 199 media outlets will monitor the election process.

He called on voters to participate actively and urged observers to refrain from interfering with the work of election commission staff.

Kalandarishvili explained that during the parliamentary elections on October 26, the Georgian populace will elect 150 members to parliament through a proportional representation system, wherein only those political parties that surpass the 5% election threshold will be represented in the legislative body.

As Kalandarishvili indicated, 18 political entities will compete in the 2024 parliamentary elections.

A total of 3,111 polling stations will be established for the elections—3,044 within Georgia and 67 in foreign countries (spanning 53 cities in 42 countries). Additionally, 12 polling stations will operate in penitentiary facilities, there will be 13 special polling stations, and one will be located at a mental health centre. Electronic voting will take place at 2,263 polling stations, while traditional balloting methods will be used at others, both domestically and abroad.

Voting will commence at 8 a.m. and conclude at 8 p.m. Voters are required to present valid ID cards or Georgian passports.

The total number of registered voters for the October 2024 elections is 3,508,294.

Preliminary results are expected to be available approximately 1-2 hours after the conclusion of the voting process, and these will be published at results.cec.gov.ge. The CEC contact hub can be reached at 2 51 00 51, and the Commission will hold regular briefings on Election Day.