October 26, 2024 Parliamentary Elections and Election Administration of Georgia’s implemented and ongoing activities were key topics covered at the meeting that was today at the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Georgia. The meeting has been attended by representatives of the CEC of Georgia and the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

CEC Chairperson, Giorgi Kalandarishvili provided representatives of the observer mission with information regarding preparatory process for the October 26 Elections, involvement of electronic voting technologies in the elections, registration of observer organizations and persistent challenges of the Election Administration (EA) of Georgia in the area of disseminating disinformation. As Giorgi Kalandarishvili highlighted, that the EA of Georgia welcomes engagement of both local and international observer organizations in the October 26 Elections. The CEC Chairperson also emphasized the importance of neutral and objective observation in electoral process.

 ‘We had organized a very crucial meeting with the OSCE/ODIHR Observer Mission, commencing its work today. As part of the meeting, we had discussed the important topics pertaining to administering the elections. We believe that engagement of international observer missions as well as sharing their recommendations and evaluations promote advancement of electoral environment. A very short time is left before the October 26 Elections. Accordingly, the Election Administration tries to provide stakeholders with information about each activity that the Administration organizes to administer the elections, complying with international and European standards.’ – stated the CEC Chairperson.

Head of the OSCE/ODIHR Observer Mission, Eoghan Murphy delivered detailed information to the CEC Chairperson in regard with the observers who will monitor the October 26, 2024 Elections across Georgia. He also discussed the observer mission’s reports, scheduled to be published during both the non-election and post-election periods. 

The OSCE/ODIHR Mission officially commences its work today under the leadership of Eoghan Murphy. Along with him, today’s meeting has been attended by Deputy Head of Mission, Marcell Nagy, Election Analyst, Marcela Mašková, Legal Analyst/Officer, Anna Melikyan and ODIHR Election Adviser in Georgia, Kseniya Dashutsina.

The meeting took place today at the CEC of Georgia, and along with CEC Chairperson, it had an attendance of CEC Deputy Chairperson, Giorgi Sharabize, CEC Head of Legal Department, Giorgi Santuriani, Director of the CEC Training Center, Natia Zaalishvili, and CEC Head of International Relations and Protocol Division, Tamar Kapanadze.