Workshop on election security issues was held at the hotel “Tbilisi Marriott”. The workshop was attended by the representatives of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Georgia, Ministry of Internal Affairs(MIA) of Georgia International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and NGOs.

As the CEC Chairperson Tamar Zhvania underlined in her speech, the CEC along with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia and with the support of IFES implemented affective activities in terms of electoral security. “By the support of USAID and IFES we have been able to reveal the problems and challenges persisting in this field and the ways to address them - what could be done in this respect. It was an innovation for us, the first attempt and the steps taken in this direction were already positively evaluated by various reports. I am grateful for what we have achieved at this stage. However, it does not mean that the process cannot be improved. I would like to underline that the first attempt of joint collaboration in respect with election security resulted in a positive outcomes and I would like to thank each person engaged in this process”- stated Tamar Zhvania.

NatiaZaalishvil, Director of the CEC Training Centre delivered the presentation about the activities implemented by the Election Administration for ensuring election security. Ms. Zaalishvili talked about the importance of the new training module “Election Security” elaborated on the basis of the IFES recommendations and through sharing international practice. The module envisages effective tools of communication between the election administration and the law enforcement agenciesfor ensuring election security as well as risk management tools and measures for response of unhindered election process. The mentioned training module was integrated within the training program of Precinct Election Commission Members for the October 8, 2016 Parliamentary Elections.

The workshop participants discussed the activities implemented for ensuring electoral security during 2016 Parliamentary Elections and the experience received in this respect. NGO representatives also presented their opinions and recommended to continue the work in this direction and carry out training of electoral stakeholders on the issue.

Election Administration conducted several meetengs on election security issues in colaboration with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and with the support of IFES. The memorandum of understanding was also signed between the CEC and Ministry of Internal Affairs. Within the framework of the memorandum special trainings were conducted for the representatives of the Election Administration and the MIA. Today meeting was organized by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems.