A meeting of the Working Group on Ethnic Minorities has been held at the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Georgia. The meeting was inaugurated by the CEC Deputy Chairperson, Giorgi Sharabidze, who spoke about the implemented and ongoing work of the Election Administration (EA) of Georgia, aiming at providing voters, including ethnic minorities, with information regarding application of electronic technologies for the October 26, 2024 Parliamentary Elections.

Along with the meeting participants, the Chairperson of the Working Group, Sophio Sitchinava, discussed the recommendations of observer organizations, including that of the National Democratic Institute (NDI), in regard with ethnic minorities. In addition, she spoke about the projects organized by the EA in the mentioned area and mechanisms used for informing voters representing ethnic minorities.

The Head of the CEC Election Process Management Department, Eka Tsabashvili, delivered information to the members of the working group about the information campaign regarding application of electronic technologies, being planned to be conducted in the regions densely populated with ethnic minorities.

At the meeting, the Director of the Center of Electoral Systems Development, Reforms and Trainings highlighted the importance of the EA’s educational projects, which are being conducted in the regions populated with ethnic minorities. Also, she presented the results of the certification exams (held in the regions densely populated with ethnic minorities) to the meeting participants.  

Furthermore, the meeting participants discussed the topics pertaining to the organization of a simulation of electronic elections by the EA.

The Working Group has been established at the CEC with the aim of promoting equal electoral environment for voters belonging to ethnic minorities. The Working Group consists of representatives from the EA, international and local non-governmental organizations, state institutions and the Office of Public Defender (invited representatives from the relevant institutions specializing in the issues of ethnic minorities).