Election body vows to provide “accurate, objective” information on parliamentary vote, not to leave “disinformation” “unchallenged”

Georgian Central Election Commission on Wednesday vowed to provide “accurate” and “objective” information to the public about the parliamentary elections held in the country on Saturday and not leave “any disinformation or manipulation” over the vote “unchallenged”.

The body claimed d allegations over election irregularities served to “carry out an information attack” on public perception.

Several users in social networks reported that the machines had a function of changing a ballot, and every second ballot was changed in favour of a particular subject. We emphasise that the machines cannot change a voter's vote either physically on the ballot or in software”, the Commission said.

It further stressed that ballots were “printed in select printing houses according to appropriate rules, and the process was observed both by domestic and international observers”.

“Besides, the Central Election Commission provided a special frame envelope made of thick paper, ensuring full voting secrecy when a ballot was properly placed inside. This was numerously tried during piloting and testing, and recommendations were considered, including those by non-governmental organisations”, it added.

“Various media representatives and members of the public have confirmed that the envelopes effectively ensured the secrecy of vote”, the administration also said.

The Commission further claimed the statements against the validity of the elections were “driven by a political agenda” and aimed to “discredit the election process as a whole”.