At the initiative of the Central Election Commission (CEC) and the CEC Training Centre, a working meeting was held with representatives of regional media. The main topics of discussion included the introduction and application of electoral technologies in the voting process, the upcoming local self-government elections, the role of the media in elections, and international standards in the organization of electoral processes.

The event was opened by Giorgi Kalandarishvili, Chairperson of the Central Election Commission (CEC), together with Deputy Chairperson Giorgi Sharabidze, Commission Secretary Giorgi Javakhishvili, and Natia Zaalishvili, Head of Electoral Systems Development, Reform and Training Centre. In their remarks, they underscored the essential role of journalists in electoral processes and highlighted the critical importance of ensuring that the public consistently receives accurate and reliable information about elections—particularly during the election period.

The event was also attended by several heads of District Election Commissions, who took an active part in the discussion. They shared insights regarding the activities being carried out within District Election Commissions in the course of preparations for the elections, as well as the procedures to be implemented on Election Day itself.

“Voter education constitutes one of the priority areas for the election administration, in which the media, naturally, plays a particularly significant role. Accordingly, in order to ensure active media coverage of the electoral processes, it is essential that the media be provided with accurate, verified, and objective information on a continuous basis. For this purpose, for several years now we have been offering media outlets a dedicated platform through which they are able, within a direct working environment, to receive detailed information from the institution’s leadership on all electoral issues that are gaining particular prominence both in society and in the media today,” stated the Chairperson of the Central Election Commission at the conclusion of the conference.

“In order for the media to effectively exercise its rights, and to ensure the existence of an informed electorate, it is essential to maintain continuous efforts aimed at strengthening electoral culture and raising public awareness. In this regard, the effective administration of the process is greatly facilitated when all stakeholders—voters, political parties, the media, and observers—are well-informed. For this reason, the Training Centre, in close cooperation with the election administration, implements meetings and informational training programs that directly contribute to raising awareness,” stated Natia Zaalishvili, Director of the Training Centre.

As Giorgi Kalandarishvili noted at the conclusion of the meeting, such engagements will actively continue in the future, thereby enabling the election administration to ensure close and constructive cooperation with the media nationwide, as well as the continuous provision of information to the public regarding electoral processes.