In accordance with the training concept developed by the Centre for Electoral Systems Development, Reforms and Training (Training Center), the election commissions’ members underwent intensive training for the elections of October 26, 2024.

Considering the procedural specifics of voting at the polling stations, according to the profile training programs prepared by the Training Centre:

• 2263 members of the Precinct Election Commissions underwent trainings regarding the procedures for conducting polling using electronic devices (five stages);
• 768 members of the Precinct Election Commission received detailed instructions on the regulations for polling without the use of electronic devices (four stages);
• Members of 13 Precinct Election Commissions created in exceptional cases in penitentiary institutions and "National Center of Mental Health" underwent training on relevant procedural issues (one stage).

Within the framework of the training program, the head officials and members of the election commissions got aquatinted in detail the techniques of performing the functions relevant to providing a qualified service to the voters, including the support of an inclusive election environment. During the review of the activities of the election commission, attention was focused on the importance of the role and responsibility of the election administrators, which is related to ensuring the free expression of the will of each voter, the secrecy of choice and the protection of the voter's personal data.

Considering the electoral reform, intensive training was devoted to the issues of functionality and management of electronic devices integrated in the polling process. Due to the high importance of informing the electorate on the novelties, the members of the commissions received instructions on the communication to be carried out with the voters while performing the function of the registrar and on the explanations to be given consistently on the voting procedures.

Focusing on the training results, within the framework of thematically compiled programs, the members of the Precinct Election Commissions received specialized knowledge on all procedural issues step by step, from the opening of the election precinct including the summarizing of polling results. The trainings were carried out based on practical study methodology, including role-playing, modeling of working with electronic devices and episodic reenactments of the polling process.

195 trainers trained by the Training Centre provided a total of 9 530 training sessions, including:

• 7 205 training sessions - for Precinct Election Commissions, where polling will be held using electronic technologies;
• 2 325 training sessions - for Precinct Election Commissions, where polling will be held without the use of electronic technologies.

As part of the preparation phase for the October 26 elections, the Training Centre also ensured the implementation of a large-scale informational-study project for all 73 District Election Commissions (full composition). Issues related to the mandate of the District Election Commission were discussed in detail, including international standards for conducting elections, uniform application of legislation, mechanisms of supervision over the activities of subordinate Precinct Election Commissions and their importance.

In order to provide information to the members of District/Precinct Election Commissions and the parties involved in the elections, the Training Centre has developed as an additional resource:

• Guidelines for members of District/Precinct Election Commissions
• Memorable instructions of Precinct Election Commissions for the E-Day
• Electronic Informational-Study Program ''Procedure of Voting Using Machines at the Polling Station''

Informational – study resources were prepared according to the type of elections (for the election of the Parliament of Georgia, for the election of the Supreme Council of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara, for the By-Election of Sakrebulo). To promote an inclusive election environment, the guidelines and memorable instructions are translated into the languages of ethnic minorities (Armenian and Azerbaijani languages). In order to facilitate informing process of international observing organizations, the guidelines are also translated into English.

The informational - study projects implemented by the CEC and the Training Centre aimes at raising the election awareness of Election Administrators and stakeholders, adapting to the novelties, and ensuring the conduct of elections in accordance with international standards based on collegiality and professionalism.