Training course on electoral issues is being conducted for regional media representatives. Giorgi Sharabidze, Deputy Chairperson of the Central Election Commission (CEC) made opening remarks together with Jerome Leyraud, Chief of Party of International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and Natia Zaalishvili, Director of the CEC Training Center. 

“Election Administration, traditionally, during the election period conducts information training courses for media representatives. The main goal of the training is to share with journalists those legislative requirements, commitments and rights which are related to media coverage of elections, and the rules of election campaign. I do think, that the mentioned is very important, since the voter may receive comprehensive information on election processes” – stated Giorgi Sharabidze.

Role of media and review of electoral legislation updates are the main topics of the training course. Representatives of the Election Administration, CEC Training Center and International Foundation for Electoral Systems inform the journalists about the following issues: E-day and regulations of photo/video shooting, use of administrative resources, updates of election legislation, international experience and basic schemes of covering elections, support inclusive electoral environment.

“The project is very important, since the participants have an opportunity to get introduced to the important issues related to the electoral rights and commitments of media representatives. The project will support effective implementation of their duties for the Election Day” – announced Natia Zaalishvili.

The training course is being conducted by the CEC and its Training Center with the support of International Foundation for Electoral Systems and in cooperation with “Georgian Regional Media Association” and “Journalism Resource Center”.

On September 25, training was conducted in Tbilisi and 20 journalists participated in the course. On September 27, 28 the training course will be conducted in Kutaisi and Batumi, where 43 journalists receive comprehensive information on electoral issues.