Int’l observers of Georgian parliamentary elections highlight “peaceful”, “democratic” voting

International observers on Saturday assessed the ongoing Georgian parliamentary elections by saying they were proceeding in a “peaceful” and “democratic” environment.

Candela Sol Silva, an int’l observer and journalist, said the elections were “going on very well”, adding the situation was “very peaceful”. 

It is a very good environment for democracy and transparency”, she pointed out.

Polish observer Nikodem Bernaciak highlighted the transparency of the electronic voting system being used in the country for the first time during the ongoing election.

We have not noticed any errors or faults. The only problem is related to the new system of voting - though  Commission representatives help voters very well and introduce new electronic systems to them. This form of voting is very transparent, innovative and advantageous for the people”, he emphasised.

Jorge González-Gallarza also emphasised “peaceful development” of the election process and noted its significance to  Georgian citizens.

So far, what we have observed is that the election is developing calmly and peacefully. This election is of utmost importance to the Georgian people”, Gallarza pointed out.

A total of 1,454,837 voters  cast their ballots by 3pm, representing a turnout of 41.62 percent of total eligible voters, thes Central Election Commission said.

The election is being observed by over 23,000 representatives of 111 domestic observer organisations and more than 1,700 individual monitors from 76 international observer bodies.

Media representation at the election process involves up to 2,800 journalists from 199  outlets.

A total of 3,111 polling stations are serving voters, including 3,044 within Georgia. Thirteen specialised stations have been established, with 12 in penitentiary institutions and one in a mental health facility. Overseas voting is set up across 67 stations in 53 cities within 42 countries.