Electing process of members of Precinct Election Commissions (PECs) has been completed at District Election Commissions (DECs). At present, data processing from 3664 electoral precincts is underway. DECs announced a repeat contest for 226 vacancies at 151 electoral precincts. 145 members of DECs did not participate in the election of 155 members of PECs due to confirmation of kinship ties.

It is noteworthy that 58% of polling stations had 8 applications for 8 vacancies.

Polling stations where the precinct election commissions were not fully staffed, DECs within three days will select PEC members from the candidates participating in the competition or based on re-announced competitions. DECs acted highly responsibly and conducted meetings for electing PEC members openly, transparently, and in line with legislation. All authorized persons were able to attend and observe the abovementioned process. 94 observers were monitoring elections, as well as 44 representatives of electoral subjects and 7 representatives of media.

Nevertheless, it has been a few days since certain groups are discrediting the process, deliberately distorting the facts, and leaving the sessions in protest. The accusations pointing in recent days at DECs and disseminated by media are unreasoned and incompetent. For instance, numerous disinformation was spread on undergoing processes in Ozurgeti, Batumi, Zugdidi, Poti, and Kutaisi DECs. Speaking of contestants elected by given DECs are biased - is wrong at this stage.

“We believe that the dissemination of such information aims to the emergence of public distrust in the election administration. We call on all electoral stakeholders, act more responsibly regarding the process. Leave behind partisan interests and not spread fake news about election administration.

We would like to highlight that ensuring the credibility of elections is a responsibility not only of election administration but also of all electoral stakeholders. Therefore, we address them to deliver objective information to the public and not voice statements that are corresponding to messages of political subjects and serves to harm the reputation of the election administration.

Furthermore, we would like to remind you that DECs while staffing PECs in addition to criteria set by legislation, considered other important criteria developed by the CEC, including professional and electoral experience, the experience of working competently and impartially with election administration, participation in educational projects of the EA, etc.

Additionally, involved parties may observe their work. PEC member is independent in his/her work and abides the only constitution of Georgia, law and appropriate by-laws. In case of PEC member’s misconduct is revealed, the CEC will respond to it accordingly.

Once again, we call on electoral stakeholders not to spread disinformation that may damage the trust towards the electoral process. To consider all the essential circumstances when assessing the electoral process, use caution and refrain from groundless and hasty conclusions”, - reads the statement.