Giorgi Kalandarishvili, Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC), has declared that reports of ballot stuffing at Marneuli 69th polling station are deeply concerning and calls on the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) to expedite the relevant investigation.

Kalandarishvili has also urged the Marneuli District Election Commission to immediately investigate the situation, convene a commission meeting, and take appropriate action.

“Information is circulating in media and online spaces about alleged ballot stuffing at Marneuli polling station #69. This is deeply concerning information. If confirmed, the election administration will not allow such orchestrated or manipulative incidents to undermine the months of effort we have invested in preparation for election day.

I want to urge and request the Marneuli District Election Commission to investigate the situation immediately, convene a commission meeting, and make appropriate decisions.

As far as I know, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has already initiated a criminal case. I request the Ministry to carry out the relevant procedures as quickly as possible to provide the public with objective, verified information within our competence.

All such incidents, regardless of whether they prove to be true or false, undoubtedly damage the electoral environment, and the institution’s reputation, and raise questions about the results. Therefore, I once again call on the District Election Commission to urgently investigate the matter and make appropriate decisions regarding this polling station.

I also want to address the disinformation spreading about several polling stations within the Marneuli District Election Commission’s operational area, particularly claims about vote manipulation in verification devices. When these devices are activated, such manipulation is physically impossible. Moreover, even if any theoretical attempt at manipulation were to occur, the verification device would not allow any commission to permit a person to vote if they appear twice or are not registered at that polling station. I want to address all authors of such information: let’s respect the voters and provide them with verified and objective information about various ongoing issues,” stated Giorgi Kalandarishvili.