Transparency International Says 70 Violations Reported in Georgian Elections

TBILISI - Transparency International, an international NGO observing Georgia’s parliamentary elections, has reported 70 voting irregularities and violations as of 4:00 pm local time.

According to Transparency, the most serious cases have been reported in numerous districts across the country where commission members connected to the opposition United National Movement (UNM) refused to participate in the ballot draw process.

Reports of such incidents were observed in precinct offices across Georgia, including in Zugdidi, Batumi, Chkhorotsku, Sagarejo, Gurjaani and Akhaltsikhe.

Transparency International's election observers also noted that a precinct office in Zugdidi, located in western Georgia, opened 45 minutes late after the necessary polling equipment was not delivered on time.

The NGO later reported at 2:00 pm that voting in the same precinct had to be temporarily suspended as a fight involving UNM supporters broke out in the polling station.

In at least four districts - Batumi, Krtsanisi, Kutaisi and Gori - Transparency International observers were barred from entering the polling stations. These incidents were, however, resolved after an intervention by the national election commission.

Significant polling delays were observed in Sagarejo, as members of the precinct’s electoral commission were reprimanded for their low qualifications and inability to speak Georgian.

Transparency International also reported on numerous other irregularities, including cases when voters with expired IDs were allowed to vote; multiple people being allowed to enter polling booths at one time, as well as voters being permitted to vote without making a mark.

The organization, however, emphasized that the elections were proceeding smoothly and relatively peacefully.

Transparency International has deployed 400 observers to monitor this year’s parliamentary elections in Georgia.

By Zygimantas Kapocius

Edited by Nicholas Waller