CEC urges voter participation, appeals to parties, NGOs, and media for peaceful elections

All polling stations across Georgia opened this morning at 08:00, officially launching voting in the October 4 municipal elections. The first briefing on the election process was held at the Central Election Commission (CEC).

CEC spokesperson Natia Ioseliani announced that a total of 3,513,818 citizens are eligible to vote in today’s elections. Georgian voters will elect 2,058 members of 64 Sakrebulos (municipal councils) through proportional and majoritarian systems, as well as 64 mayors of self-governing cities and communities.

According to Ioseliani, 3,130,348 voters will cast their ballots using electronic voting technologies, while 60,754 voters are registered on the mobile ballot box list. This year, about 47,000 young citizens will vote for the first time. The elections are being administered by nearly 34,000 election staff.

In total, there are 3,061 polling stations nationwide, including 2,284 electronic and 777 traditional stations, as well as 10 special stations in penitentiary institutions.

The election process is being monitored by over 80 international observers from 28 organizations, more than 8,000 observers from 27 local organizations, and about 1,000 media representatives from 73 outlets.

“For the first time, ballot box slot covers are being used in electronic voting. Voters will receive a ballot divided into three columns and a special frame-envelope. After marking their choice with a provided marker, they must insert the ballot into the counting machine through the slot cover. The machines are not connected to the Internet, eliminating the risk of cyber interference. Voting remains secret, and photography or video recording inside booths is strictly prohibited,” Ioseliani said.

She reminded voters to bring a valid Georgian ID card or passport to the polls.

“Elections are a common cause. We call on voters to be active and on political parties, NGOs, international organizations, and the media to contribute to a peaceful and free election environment,” Ioseliani added.

The CEC’s contact hub (2 51 00 51) and media center will operate throughout the day, providing updated information to journalists and election stakeholders.