Tbilisi 01/03/08.-  CEC Spokesperson Irakli Porchkhidze briefed media and civil society representatives on all preparations and taks accomplished by the Election Administration to ensure that "Free and Fair Elections” take place on January 5, 2008. 

 

He emphasized that the objective of the CEC has been to organize elections that enfranchise the Georgian electorate to participate fully in a transparent environment.  "The CEC has done a lot and plans to continue working in favor of dissipating any possible doubts about the fairness and transparency of the upcoming Extraordinary Elections of the Presidenti of Georgia”, he stated. 

 

Among the steps and activities undertaken, he highlighted the following:

 

The CEC has accredited more than 2,000 observers from both international and local observer organizations.  This is a record number in the history of elections in Georgia.  As a result, all polling stations will be closely monitored.  Observers are able to visit any polling station anytime without restrictions and have the full support of the CEC for accomplishing their activities. 

 

More than 160 media organizations have been accredited by the CEC and will thus cover the elections process throughout Georgia.  This is also a record number in the history of elections of Georgia up to date.  The CEC has taken various steps to facilitate the work of the media:

 

1.     Among these, the CEC, with the support of IFES, conducted a journalists training attended by local print and electronic media covering the main aspects of the elections process,

2.     Opening of a Media Centre, which, together with a Press Briefing Room constitute today the main venue for dissemination of information.

 

The CEC has undertaken a comprehensive update of the Unified Voters’ List.  The "Door-to-door Campaign” and posting of the list on the website and at precincts for public scrutiny, as well as the hotline service, have all contributed to enable citizens to check their personal data.    The CEC made all required revisions and updated accordingly.

 

 

 

With a view to informing the public in general and the electorate in particular on the elections process, the CEC has been conducting a Voters’ Information Campaign through mass means of communications, including television, radio and print media, as well as meeting with civil society groups and stakeholders.

 

Special attention has been paid to voter registration, step-by-step voting procedures as well as the safeguards of the elections process, emphasizing on the role of the CEC as a guarantor of the secrecy of the vote, on the importance of inking as a means to prevent multiple voting and on installing video cameras in precincts to ensure that the counting process takes place according to established procedures.    In addition, upon public request,  polling booths are roofed with a transparent material to assure voters total privacy and avoid intimidation. 

 

The CEC is committed to publishing elections results as soon as the counting procedures  have finished and results are available.  The CEC will start uploading Elections Results Summary  Protocols immediately upon receipt from PECs that fax them directly to the CEC.  For the purpose, 1,000 precincts have been equipped with fax machines with the support of IFES.    

 

In addition, the CEC is expecting to start publishing provisional results consolidated at the DEC level within 24 hours after closing of polling stations.

 

The Constitution of Georgia and the Electoral Code provide a solid ground for the organization of free and fair elections. 

 

DEC and PEC members went through intense training on elections rules and procedures.  In addition, all election documentation, including ballot papers, Voters’ Lists, ink and other required supplies have been distributed and are at the respective precincts.

 

Porchkhidze finished by encouraging all Georgian citizens to participate in the upcoming elections.  "Go out to the polling station and vote.  The CEC guarantees your voting rights”, he stated.

CEC Press and PR Office

Address No 29/a Gagarini St.

Tel/Fax: 38 93 32
press@cec.gov.ge