The Central Election Commission (CEC) hosts the 12th annual international conference of election management bodies.
The conference that mainly focuses on the topic of “Technology Utilization Experience and Impact of Disinformation on Electoral Credibility” was opened by Giorgi Kalandarishvili, Chair of the Central Election Commission, Archil Gorduladze, Chair of Legal Issues Committee of the Parliament of Georgia, Levan Ioseliani, Public Defender of Georgia, and Rusudan Kokhodze, Head of Public Service Development Agency of the Ministry of Justice. In their speeches, speakers highlighted the importance of discussion on the topic and timing and proceeded with sharing their vision regarding conference themes to participants. Levan Ioseliani and Rusudan Kokhodze discussed in detail the activities of their respective entities carried out regarding the electoral process within their competences.
As part of the conference, representatives of various countries’ election administrations and international organizations will discuss such important topics as Leveraging technology for electoral integrity: practices around the globe and lessons learned, Innovating electoral processes through E-services, Countering disinformation and its impact on election results, and Challenges and solutions in this regard.
Giorgi Kalandarishvili, CEC Chair provided comprehensive information regarding Georgia’s experience in utilizing electronic technologies in the electoral process, challenges and future goals to the attendees. Chair delivered presentation on the matter to conference participants.
“International conference which we host annually enables us to discuss and share professional experience with representatives of various countries on the important topics. This time we focused on two themes, namely, Adoption of Electronic Technologies in the Electoral Process and Disinformation and Its Related Challenges. As is customary, the conference is of a large scale, with representatives from various countries' election administrations participating, and discussions of a professional and expert nature taking place. The Election Administration successfully integrated electronic voting technologies during 2024 parliamentary elections and gained important experience, however, learning of other countries’ experiences, recommendations and good practices, will play significant role in administering 2025 elections and next elections as well. The very fact, that there is growing interest towards this year’s conference topic confirms that these matters are challenge for everyone and it is important that we together find efficient solutions for resolving these issues “, CEC Chair stated.
Within the framework of the conference, Head of CEC’s Legal Department / CEC Staff discussed Electronic services of election administration and electronic management system, while Giorgi Sturua, Election Technology Manager, introduced voting technologies utilized in 2024 elections to participants.
The second day of conference will focus on disinformation-related topics. Giorgi Sharabidze, CEC Deputy Chair will deliver presentation where he will tackle Georgian Election Administration’s experience regarding disinformation, existing challenges and activities carried out to counter disinformation.
The conference is being held on June 5-6 and approximately 100 representatives from 22 countries’ election administrations, several state entities and representatives of election administration of Georgia, are in attendance.
