In the preparatory process for the October 26, 2024, Parliamentary Elections, Election Administration (EA) of Georgia constantly cares to provide precise information to the public, and considers the latter as one of its key aims, especially in regard with the procedure of casting a vote, filling a ballot paper and vote counting. During the recent period, more than 600 000 voters personally participated in the various activities that were organized by Election Administration for demonstrating electronic voting technologies nationwide, including the mock elections. It is noteworthy that the information video-clips, made by CEC to provide information to voters, are being constantly presented via all available means.

“Additionally, numerous activities are being implemented, pertaining to the procedures for casting a vote, filling a ballot paper and procedures of counting votes. The reason of the above-mentioned is the significant importance that is assigned to providing voters with the accurate explanations and information regarding procedures for casting a vote and filling a ballot paper, while electronic voting technologies are introduced at large scale in the electoral process.

Unfortunately, certain stakeholders are disseminating confronting, incorrect information, that lacks the compliance with the applicable law, in connection with the procedures for filling a ballot paper, secrecy of voting and procedures for vote counting.

A statement made by a representative of the "My Voice" observation mission during the September 5 broadcast on TV Pirveli clearly indicates this. The representative directly called upon voters to color the circle placed next the election subject, then cross it, and color the other circle. By doing so, the representative ‘gave a hope’ to voters that during manual vote counting, Election Administration will be forced to recognize such ballot papers as valid papers, despite electronic devices having found them void. In the same context, the representative further insinuated that photography in the voting booth is permitted by law.

Additionally, another statement from the same representative of the aforementioned organization was broadcast on TV channel ‘Formula’ on September 15. This statement somewhat contradicts the information disseminated on September 5 and remains both manipulative and inconsistent with the law.

The statement might be perceived as a call to intentionally damaging the ballot papers that are the state property. The latter might cause the artificial delay of voters at electoral precincts as well as queues, causing the dissatisfaction among voters. In such case, the author of the statement mentions that the photo shooting is prohibited, but in his evaluations, he still considers the possibility of photo shooting in the secret polling booth.

It is clear that the case demonstrated the lack of knowledge in basic requirements of election legislation or the deliberate disinformation, since as per the new legal norms, the precinct election commission, where voting takes place by electronic devices, has no authority to discuss the so called ‘suspicious ballot papers.’ Casting a vote is unequivocal and the valid ballot papers are solely those on which a voter colors solely the circle placed next to one election subject. Moreover, voting process is secret and photo shooting in the voting booth is prohibited.

Such unlawful and misleading informational campaigns can cause confusion among voters and produce negative outcomes that might threaten the integrity of the elections.

We urge both international and local observer organizations to distance themselves from such so-called "information campaigns," provide appropriate responses, and ensure that, at their public events or on any other occasions, voters receive information in accordance with election legislation.

The Election Administration, as the responsible body for election administering, reserves the right to cease collaboration with any organizations that persist in such disinformation campaigns. Furthermore, any void or damaged ballot papers resulting from these campaigns will be attributed to the organizations, their representatives, and individual participants involved.

As it is already well-known, elections are a common cause, and each stakeholder has the responsibility to closely observe the legal requirements, and deliver verified and precise information to voters. In the meantime, we, on our behalf, would like to remind everyone that: Ø Vote casting is secret! Ø Photography in a booth is prohibited! Ø Color the circle for only one preferred candidate!