“We want to address the disinformation that has been intensively circulating in media and social networks. The spread of manipulative and unsubstantiated information appears to be part of a coordinated campaign aimed at misleading voters,” stated CEC spokesperson Natia Ioseliani.

The Election Administration emphasizes the importance of providing accurate information to the public about the electoral process.

“Therefore, we want to share the truth regarding several widely circulated pieces of manipulative information. After it was confirmed that there were attempts to manipulate data by comparing National Statistics Office figures with voter lists, new waves of disinformation began to spread intensively. The continuation of this manipulative campaign includes claims by certain politically motivated individuals regarding printouts from vote-counting machines at different times showing varying data. In reality, at Khelvachauri precinct #16, there were three vote-counting machines installed. Initially, receipts were printed from only two machines, followed by a report from all three machines. The consolidated receipt data from all three machines exactly matches the summary protocol data compiled through manual ballot counting, both showing 1,404 ballots. This fact is confirmed by precinct election commission staff.

Another manipulation concerns voting with an invalid ID card at one of the Sagarejo precincts. There are attempts to create a perception that such incidents are widespread, which is false. A specific complaint has been filed regarding this case and will be reviewed according to proper procedures. However, it’s important to note that the person who voted with an invalid ID card had a valid passport and was therefore included in the unified voter list.

Misinformation is also being circulated concerning election ballots. For example, one local observer organization is circulating a photo of a ballot where one subject is crossed out and no circle is filled in. Although such ballots are unequivocally considered invalid, the organization claims the ballot was counted as valid, which is false. This can be easily verified by comparing the machine-printed receipts with the summary protocol.

Since this morning, representatives of various political entities have been calling on the election administration to create a database of participating voters to allow voters to verify their presence in the voter turnout list. Politicians are well aware that such action is legally restricted, and creating such a database poses risks of personal data disclosure, which contradicts one of the fundamental principles of elections and international best practices. It’s important to note that no formal complaint has been filed regarding this matter. This clearly shows that party representatives are making unrealistic demands for political purposes to create a perception that the election administration is concealing information.

Finally, we would like to address the discrediting statement made by the President of Georgia. Salome Zourabichvili categorically claims that electoral technologies were used to falsify the elections. We urge all involved parties to carefully review the assessment by the American company PRO V&V regarding electronic technologies, and if any problems are found, to pursue legal measures. We will continue to provide accurate information to the public and will not leave any disinformation unaddressed,” the CEC stated.