CEC calls voters to ‘actively participate’ in Sunday’s by-elections

The citizens of Georgia will elect one parliament member, five mayors and members of eight city councils (Sakrebulo) across the country tomorrow, May 19.

Polls will open at 8 am at 410 polling stations where 402,091 voters are registered.

The Central Election Commission (CEC) Spokesperson Ana Mikeladze called upon all the voters “to actively participate” in Sunday’s by-elections.

Photo: CEC webpage

The CEC Spokesperson said regular news briefings will be held during the entire Election Day to providing updates on election-related information.

• Voting for parliamentary by-elections will be held at 31 polling stations at Mtatsminda district in Georgia’s capital of Tbilisi where a total of 43,868 voters are registered.
• By-elections will also be held in five municipalities of Marneuli, Zestaponi, Chiatura, Zugdidi and Khulo to elect mayors and in eight municipalities of Sagarejo, Akhmeta, Adigeni, Zestaponi, Chiatura, Tkibuli, Tskaltubi and Ozurgeti – to elect members of Sakrebulo.

The election legislation prohibits any election agitation at the polling stations on Election Day.

It is also prohibited to place pre-election paid or free advertisements on TV and radio broadcasters or to publish public opinion polls until the voting ends at 8 pm.

Photo: Interior Ministry's press office

The Interior Ministry also released a statement today promising to ensure that by-elections will be held in “free, democratic and safe environment”.

The ministry called on everyone involved in election process despite their political belonging, to obey the law, and in case of necessity, apply to police officers and contribute to safe conduct of elections.

Police will react to and deal with any violation of law during the election process. Police will not let anyone aggravate the situation and none of the offences will remain unpunished”, the interior ministry announced.

The ministry also promised to protect the right of each and every citizen to vote in a calm and safe environment tomorrow.