Election Commission Chair highlights prohibition of photo, video capture in voting booths ahead of elections

Giorgi Kalandarishvili, the Chair of the Central Election Commission of Georgia, on Monday reminded voters about the prohibition of photo and video recording in polling booths and other limitations ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for October 26.

Kalandarishvili’s comments came after reports alleging “pressure” on voters by some parties to take photographs of their ballot choices.

In an interview with Interpressnews agency, the Chair of the body said changes to booth designs would enable observers to “prevent prohibited actions”.

All I can say is that we always follow the law. According to the legislation, on the day of the election, it is forbidden to take photos and videos in the polling booth, as well as to take out ballots from polling stations”, Kalandarishvili said.

“Unlike previous years, this year there will be only one ballot, which will be large and visible to the Commission and other authorised persons present. This will prevent voters from taking ballots out of polling stations”, he noted.

He further added the election administration had “taken into account such risks as much as possible”.