Georgian soldiers serving in Afghanistan were the first to cast ballot in parliamentary elections as early voting for the October 1 polls was organized for them at two polling stations in the Helmand province on September 24.

Early voting for troops in ISAF mission was held based on CEC’s decision passed on August 4. CEC did not release figures about how many Georgian soldiers cast ballot in the early voting in Afghanistan.

The Georgian Defense Ministry said on September 25 that two Georgian battalions were in Helmand at the time of voting; these are 23rd battalion of the second infantry brigade and 32nd battalion of the third infantry brigade. “The latter one is in the process of rotation,” MoD said. Exact number of Georgian troops currently stationed in Afghanistan was not available from the MoD.