The Training Center, in cooperation with the CEC, has designed the concept of trainings for the professional development of district and precinct election commissions members for the October 31, 2020 Parliamentary Elections of Georgia.

In accordance with the Concept, it is envisaged to provide guidance and instruction to DEC members in two stages:

• Stage I – members of 63 DECs (20 principal and 43 auxiliary commissions) will receive instructions around the powers of principal and auxiliary DECs.

During September 10-16, 2020, leadership of DECs will provide instructions to the members of DECs. Follow the link (available in georgian) to view the schedule.

• Stage II – 73 DECs members will be instructed on the following key issues: coordination/communication of activities between DECs and PECs (including about organizational-logistical matters); regulations related to conducting elections in a safe environment; voters’ lists; voting day and managing electoral operations; summarizing election polling results at DECs; credibility of elections and electoral security.

During September 19-22, 2020, the Training Center will provide instructions to members of DECs in an online format.

According to the Concept, PEC members will be trained in four stages. The program envisages trainings for leadership and members of PECs according to the profile programs designed by the Training Center in the following key topics falling within their competence:

• key principles for holding democratic elections and the importance of the role and mandate of members of PECs for ensuring democratic elections as part of the ethical and legal framework;
• the operations of PECs and the powers stipulated under the regulations; the grounds for disciplinary responsibility
• coordination/communication of activities of PECs with DECs (including about organizational-logistical matters);
• activities of PECs during the period up to the voting day (including, legislative novelty – entering voters in a special list of an adapted election precinct);
• the functions of PEC members on a voting day;
• the rule of voting by voters (including the principle of free demonstration of will and the secrecy of vote);
• voters’ personal data protection;
• closing election precincts, PEC members’ functions in the process of sorting/counting/sealing ballot papers;
• drawing up polling results summary protocol and its publicity;
• electoral security;
• photo-video shooting regulations at polling stations;
• voting day applications/complaints;
• Regulations related to holding elections in a safe environment during the pandemic.

190 trainers trained by the Training Center will deliver trainings to the members of PECs. To support the enhancement of procedural knowledge of members of election commissions, the Training will be conducted using a combined methodology, including role plays to enhance practical skills of the participants.

The trainings of members of PECs will be conducted during the period from September 24 to October 25, 2020. Detailed schedules of trainings will be published gradually on the CEC and the Training Center websites.