The CEC and the Training Centre provided professional training for election commission members in preparation for the October 3, 2026, by-elections of municipal councils.

The Training Centre’s trainers conducted a total of 30 training sessions. In accordance with the concept of profile-based training:

• Members of 4 PECs under District Election Commissions N25 Tsalka and N53 Vani underwent training on procedures for administering voting using electronic voting machines. The training was delivered in five stages;
• Members of 3 PECs under District Election Commissions N18 Akhmeta, N24 Dmanisi and N25 Tsalka passed training on voting procedures without the use of electronic voting machines. The training was delivered in four stages.

As part of the training programme, PEC officials and members received detailed instruction on voting procedures and practical aspects of providing quality services to voters, including measures aimed at ensuring an inclusive electoral environment. Particular attention was paid to the role and responsibilities of election administrators in ensuring the free expression of voters’ will, accessibility of observation, the secrecy of the vote, and the protection of personal data.

The trainings were practice-oriented and included role-playing exercises, simulations of working with electronic voting machines, and simulations of individual stages of the voting process. PEC members also received practical instruction on communicating with voters and providing explanations regarding voting procedures.

Statistics on the attendance of PEC officials and members at the training sessions, according the training stage, are available at the link (in Georgian).

As part of the preparations for the elections, the Training Centre, in cooperation with the CEC, also implemented an informational-training project for the full membership of the District Election Commissions of Tsalka, Vani, Akhmeta and Dmanisi. District Election Commission members discussed issues of particular importance to their work, including legislative amendments, the uniform application of legislation, the resolution of electoral disputes, and mechanisms for overseeing the activities of lower-level PECs.

In addition, considering the procedural specifics of the elections, the CEC and the Training Centre developed various informational-training resources (in georgian). The resources cover the rights and responsibilities of election administrators and persons entitled to be present at polling stations, ethical standards, and practical aspects of their activities. The resources are developed to contribute to the organized administration of the voting process and reinforce the importance of professional, effective and voter-oriented cooperation.