Meeting of permanent members of the working group on ethnic minority issues was held at the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Georgia. Tamar Zhvania the CEC Chairperson opened the meeting citing the activities implemented by the CEC in 2018 for ethnic minority engagement in the electoral process. According to Tamar Zhvania, the election administration is facing challenges in this regard and the solution will be more efficient in cooperation with the third sector and by also taking into account their recommendations.

Sophio Sitchinava, Head of the CEC Coordination, Planning and Reporting Department focused on language barrier when it comes to engagement of ethnic minority women in the electoral process and their awareness. At the meeting, parties agreed on the importance of voter awareness and implementation of educational projects in this process.

Participants of the meeting positively assessed initiatives and activities carried out by the CEC. After that, they shared their own ideas to the CEC Management. These recommendations will be discussed by the CEC members during developing and discussing the 2019 Action Plan. As the CEC Chairperson stated, the Election Administration should use upcoming year for precisely taking into account recommendations, overcoming challenges and improving the electoral environment.

Senior officials of the CEC and its Training Centre, representatives of the Office of State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality of Georgia, representatives of international and domestic NGOs attended the meeting held on December 18.