Georgian Election Commission Chair, NDI mission discuss October elections

The work of Georgia’s Central Election Commission and the upcoming parliamentary elections in the country were discussed on Monday in a meeting between Giorgi Kalandarishvili, the Chair of the CEC, and the long-term observation mission of the National Democratic Institute, chaired by Natasha Rothchild for the elections.

The CEC said the meeting reviewed activities and projects implemented by the national election administration for “ensuring the conduct of the elections at a high professional level and in compliance with the international standards”, with Kalandarishvili highlighting introduction of electronic technology in election processes.

The Georgian official added training of election administrators and a campaign for informing voters were actively ongoing, and noted the election administration had considered “most recommendations” from the NDI, including implementation of the project of universal demonstration of election technology throughout the country and an increase in the number of polling stations where technologies would be used.

The body said the parties also reviewed “disinformation campaigns”, with Kalandarishvili informing Rothchild about the experience and response of his office.

The Chair reiterated the Administration welcomed the involvement of international observation organisations in the elections, and noted the body, as an “open and transparent” agency, would continue to “closely cooperate” with observation missions, which he said represented “one of the important components of ensuring integrity of elections”.

The NDI started the long-term observation mission for the elections last week.