Georgian PM urges “peaceful elections” amid reports of “ruling party voter obstruction”

Irakli Kobakhidze, the Head of the election staff of the ruling Georgian Dream party and Prime Minister, on Saturday highlighted the importance of conducting the ongoing general elections in a “peaceful environment”, while expressing concerns over “reported incidents of the GD voter obstruction”. 

In his comments at the party’s Tbilisi office, the PM lamented "the saddest thing is that such things are often done by journalists”. 

The official also highlighted several “instances of pressure” on voters, which he said included “disruptions that prevented individuals from exercising their rights”. 

It is crucial that all parties ensure a peaceful election environment throughout the day”, he said, calling on political entities, media outlets, and citizens to “contribute to the integrity of the electoral process”.

Kobakhidze also hailed “high voter turnout”, exceeding 320,000 by 10 a.m., and expressed gratitude to voters for their civic responsibility.

We are very happy to see a high turnout”, he said, adding, “voters have acted with high civic responsibility, made their own choice, and of course, we must thank each voter for their high responsibility”. 

He also praised the efforts of the party’s activists and supporters in “mobilising voters”, reiterating that “voter mobilisation is one of the main functions of political parties”. 

The PM assured the GD would “proceed with its efforts throughout the day to encourage voter participation”.

In his briefing, the top official reaffirmed the “key importance” of the elections, describing them as “very principled and decisive” for the country. 

In light of the ongoing electoral process, the PM  announced the launch of a website named shedegebi.ge, which he said would provide real-time updates on voter turnout and election results based on official data from polling stations.

Kobakhidze claimed the GD’s securing of the Constitutional majority of at least 113 seats in the 150-member Parliament, was “absolutely realistic”, asserting high voter turnout was “in the GD’s interests”.