CEC of Georgia

საქართველოს ცენტრალური საარჩევნო კომისია / Election Administration of Georgia

[CEC of Georgia @cecgovge]

“Disinformation Strategies, Artificial Intelligence and the Role of Social Networks in Information Integrity” – CEC Hosts 13t Annual Meeting of Election Management Bodies.

#CEC #InternationalConference

[CEC of Georgia @cecgovge]

The 13th International Conference, with representatives of election administrations from 23 countries and other stakeholders taking part, is actively underway.

#CEC #InternationalConference

[CEC of Georgia @cecgovge]

#CEC Hosts 13t Annual Meeting of #Election Management Bodies.

Over the course of two days, participants of the international conference will discuss a range of key issues, including the impact of disinformation on electoral processes; disinformation as a policy challenge: mechanisms, driving factors, and impact; the role of artificial intelligence and social networks in electoral processes: opportunities and risks; and the role of information and education in countering disinformation. As noted during the opening of the conference by the Chairperson of the CEC, Giorgi Kalandarishvili, the international conference has made a significant contribution to the formation of an international professional network based on mutual trust, cooperation, and shared responsibility in safeguarding democratic values.

The conference is being held on June 17–18 and brings together representatives of election administrations from 23 countries, international organizations working on electoral issues, and companies specializing in electoral technologies (A-WEB, Smartmatic). The conference is also attended by representatives of Georgia’s legislative body, state institutions, the Supreme Council of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, and the Supreme Election Commission.

#CEC #INTERNATONALCONFERENCE

[CEC of Georgia @cecgovge]

The Central Election Commission of #Georgia hosts 13th Annual Meeting of Election Management Bodies. The main topic of the conference is “Disinformation Strategies, Artificial Intelligence and the Role of Social Networks in Information Integrity”.

Giorgi Kalandarishvili, the #CECChairperson officially opened the international conference. Archil Gorduladze, Chair of the Legal Issues Committee of the Parliament of Georgia, Davit Matikashvili, Chair of the Procedural Issues Committee of the Parliament of Georgia, Levan Ioseliani, the Public Defender of Georgia and the Chair of the Communications Commission of Georgia, Goga Gulordava addressed to the participants and made opening remarks at the conference.

#CEC #INTERNATIONALCONFERENCE

[CEC of Georgia @cecgovge]

A delegation from Georgia’s election administration observed #Armenia’s parliamentary elections. The delegation—comprising CEC Chair Giorgi Kalandarishvili, Secretary Giorgi Javakhishvili, members Giorgi Dzagania and Archil Anasashvili, as well as Natia Zaalishvili, Director of the Election Systems Development, Reforms and Training Center, and Giorgi Ezugbaia, Head of the Administrative Service—visited Yerevan at the invitation of Armenia’s Central Election Commission.

During the visit, the delegation observed the opening of polling stations, the voting process, and the closing procedures. They also met with the Chair and members of Armenia’s Central Election Commission, who briefed them on the preparations and activities undertaken to conduct the parliamentary elections. According to CEC Chair Giorgi Kalandarishvili, extensive work had been carried out in preparation for the elections.

The visit also provided an opportunity for the Georgian delegation to meet representatives of election administrations from various countries and discuss prospects for future cooperation. Meetings were also held with international election observation organizations.

Armenia’s parliamentary elections were held on 7 June.

[CEC of Georgia @cecgovge]

#CEC in cooperation with the #YouthAgency, continues to hold informational meetings. The latest meeting with young people was held in Zugdidi and was opened by the spokesperson of the Central Election Commission, Natia Ioseliani.

Natia Ioseliani spoke about the importance of active youth engagement in electoral processes. She provided participants with information on electoral systems, the history of elections, electoral rights, the advantages of electoral electronic technologies, and other important issues. Particular attention was paid to the Election Administration’s strategy for combating disinformation and to the activities carried out by the CEC to provide voters with accurate information. Natia Ioseliani also gave a detailed presentation on the new portal, https://t.co/CA8NLDe8cc, through which anyone can obtain accurate information on electoral matters.

Young participants also received information on the organization of the electoral process, the history of the introduction of technologies, and the institutional structure of the Election Administration from Nana Oqujava, Deputy Chairperson of the Zugdidi District Election Commission.

The meeting concluded with an active discussion, during which young participants received comprehensive answers to their questions.

The meeting, held on 4 June, took place within the framework of a Memorandum of Cooperation signed between the CEC, the Youth Agency, and other partner institutions. The memorandum provides for the implementation of joint educational and informational campaigns, as well as the organization of conferences, seminars, and working meetings aimed at raising youth awareness. Meetings with young people are being held progressively in various regions under the memorandum.

[CEC of Georgia @cecgovge]

The Deputy Chairperson of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Georgia, Giorgi Sharabidze, participated in the OSCE Human Dimension Committee meeting. “Elections in the Digital Age: Digitalization and Electoral Integrity – Regulations, Safeguards and Shared Responsibility” was the main topic of the meeting held in Austria on May 26.

During the meeting, OSCE participating states discussed the digitalization process and its positive and negative aspects. The participants addressed electronic voting technologies, including voter registration, voter information and education, cybersecurity risks, and the impact of disinformation. They also noted that strengthening public institutions, political actors, and civil society plays an important role in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.

For his part, CEC Deputy Chairperson Giorgi Sharabidze spoke about the experience of Georgia’s election administration, technological interventions, and the experience gained during the 2024–2025 general elections.

“Georgia’s election administration took significant steps and successfully introduced electronic voting technologies during the 2024–2025 general elections. The introduction of these technologies was accompanied by extensive preparatory and institutional work carried out by the election administration. On the one hand, electronic voting technologies create new opportunities for efficiency, accessibility, and transparency, while on the other hand, they generate new challenges related to cybersecurity, disinformation, data protection, and public trust. Safeguarding electoral integrity in the digital age is a shared responsibility that goes beyond the scope of the election administration alone,” Giorgi Sharabidze stated in his speech.

The Human Dimension Committee meeting was organized by the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Albania, as the Committee’s Chairmanship country, and CEC Deputy Chairperson Giorgi Sharabidze participated in the meeting remotely.

[CEC of Georgia @cecgovge]

#CEC in cooperation with the #YouthAgency, continues holding information sessions for young people. This time, meetings were held in Kutaisi and Zestafoni, attended by up to 100 participants.

As part of the sessions, CEC Deputy Chair Giorgi Sharabidze spoke to young people about the importance of their involvement in the electoral process, the need for accurate information about elections, and voters’ roles and rights in general. He also highlighted the advantages of electronic voting technologies and discussed the experience and process the election administration went through before introducing these technologies.

CEC Press Spokesperson Natia Ioseliani spoke about disinformation and its impact on the electoral process. She provided detailed information on the activities carried out by the election administration to provide voters with accurate information, including the new website https://t.co/CA8NLDe8cc.

Chair of the Zestafoni District Election Commission, Giorgi Kakhniashvili, and Chair of the Kutaisi District Election Commission, Larina Laliashvili, informed participants about the institutional structure of the election administration, election organization, and the history of implementing technologies in the electoral process.

The information sessions in Kutaisi and Zestafoni were held on May 14–15.

The meetings with young people across the country were organized within the framework of a memorandum of cooperation signed between the CEC, the Youth Agency, and other partner institutions. The memorandum provides for joint educational and information campaigns, as well as the organization of conferences, seminars, and workshops aimed at raising youth awareness. Meetings with young people are being held gradually in different regions as part of the memorandum.

[CEC of Georgia @cecgovge]

The Election Administration met with young people in Ozurgeti municipality as part of an information meetings cycle.

The role and rights of voters in the electoral process, the importance of youth engagement and access to accurate information on key issues, the advantages of electronic technologies, and the experience of the Election Administration — these were the topics discussed with young people by Deputy Chairperson of the CEC Giorgi Sharabidze.

A significant part of the meeting was dedicated to the important issue of the impact of disinformation on the electoral process and its consequences. Young participants received information on this matter from the CEC Spokesperson. Natia Ioseliani focused on the instruments used by the Election Administration to provide voters with accurate information.

Chair of Ozurgeti District Election Commission, Berdia Lomidze, delivered a detailed presentation on the institutional structure of the Election Administration, the organization of elections, and the history of introducing technologies in the electoral process.

The information meeting in Ozurgeti was held on May 8 in cooperation with the Youth Agency of Georgia and was attended by up to 150 young people.

Meetings with young people across the country were organized within the framework of the Memorandum of Cooperation signed between the CEC, the Youth Agency, and other partner institutions. The memorandum envisages the implementation of joint educational and information campaigns, as well as the organization of conferences, seminars, and working meetings aimed at raising youth awareness. Within the framework of the memorandum, meetings with young people are being held progressively in various regions.

[CEC of Georgia @cecgovge]

#CEC in cooperation with the #YouthAgency, continues to hold informational meetings with young people. This time, the meeting was held in Lanchkhuti and attended by up to 70 young participants.

The meeting was opened by CEC Deputy Chairperson Giorgi Sharabidze, who spoke with the participants about the history of elections in Georgia, the role of voters, and electoral rights. He also focused on the advantages of electronic voting technologies and emphasized the importance of young people’s active engagement in and awareness of the electoral process.

The CEC spokesperson addressed the impact of disinformation on the electoral process and its outcomes, as well as the election administration’s approaches to this issue. Natia Ioseliani explained in detail the means used by the election administration to provide voters with reliable information during the electoral process.

As part of the meeting, Tamar Bisieshvili, Chairperson of the Lanchkhuti District Election Commission, provided participants with detailed information on the institutional structure of the election administration, election organization, and the implementation of electoral technologies.

The meeting with young people was held on May 7 at the Lanchkhuti Youth Center.

The meeting was conducted within the framework of a memorandum of cooperation signed between the CEC, the Youth Agency, and other partner institutions. The memorandum envisages the implementation of joint educational and informational campaigns aimed at raising youth awareness, as well as the organization of conferences, seminars, and working meetings. Within the framework of the memorandum, meetings with young people are being gradually held in different regions.

[CEC of Georgia @cecgovge]

The Chairperson of the Central Election Commission (CEC), Giorgi Kalandarishvili, and the CEC Secretary, Giorgi Javakhishvili, met, within the framework of an official visit, with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the French Republic, Irakli Kurashvili, and the Deputy Head of Mission, Ekaterine Kokaia.

As part of the meeting, the parties discussed and assessed the outcomes of the joint debates of the Venice Commission, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. They also addressed opportunities and prospects for cooperation.

As noted during the meeting by Giorgi Kalandarishvili, the Embassy of Georgia in France plays a significant role in advancing cooperation and deepening relations with European bodies and international partners. Accordingly, close cooperation and the exchange of information on various pressing electoral issues are essential, as this, in turn, ensures the timely provision of accurate information to relevant international organizations and institutions.

A delegation of the Central Election Commission of Georgia conducted an official visit to France on 28–29 April.

[CEC of Georgia @cecgovge]

Giorgi Kalandarishvili, Chairperson of the Central Election Commission (CEC), and Giorgi Javakhishvili, Secretary of the CEC, participated in joint debates of the Venice Commission, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. The debates, titled “Towards Trusted and Inclusive Electoral Processes: The Role of Observers,” were held in the capital of France.

The primary objective of the event was to assess the persistent and emerging challenges faced by observers in member states; to examine the effectiveness and limitations of existing legal instruments for the protection of observers’ rights; to discuss possible avenues for further action; and to contribute to an informed dialogue on the potential added value, scope, and feasibility of a binding instrument of the Council of Europe.

Giorgi Kalandarishvili, Chairperson of the Central Election Commission, spoke in a debate format on the experience of Georgia’s election administration, the inclusive electoral environment, and the activities undertaken to enhance the credibility and transparency of elections.

“Joint debates provide an opportunity for the organizers to receive directly from us objective and verified information on all relevant issues around which certain concerns may exist and which may play a significant role in shaping public opinion. In my address, I spoke about the role of international and domestic observation organizations and the importance of objectivity and impartiality in the observation process itself.

It is important that reports and assessments on elections be based on factual evidence and not derive from the political outcomes of the elections.

Furthermore, within the framework of the discussion, it was emphasized how important it is for all stakeholders to respect the conclusions of international observer organizations, such as the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, and to take their recommendations into account, as without recognition of these conclusions the significance of the observation process itself is effectively undermined,” stated Giorgi Kalandarishvili, Chairperson of the CEC.

During the debates, particular attention was devoted to the role of domestic and international observers as stakeholders in the electoral process, as well as to the legal frameworks governing observation, including guarantees, shortcomings, good practices, and challenges. The parties also discussed a joint strategy and subsequent steps to strengthen electoral integrity and public trust.

The joint debates were held on 28–29 April in Paris, the capital of France.

[CEC of Georgia @cecgovge]

Representatives of the Central Election Commission (CEC) observed the elections held in the Republic of India. The second round of the legislative elections was monitored, within the framework of an international observation mission, by Ana Abuladze and Irakli Rcheulishvili, representatives of the CEC’s Legal Department and the Election Process Management Department.

The CEC representatives also attended a meeting held at the International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) in India, within the framework of which they received detailed information on India’s electoral system, the elections to be held in the states of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, the arrangement of polling stations, voting procedures, and the functioning of electronic voting technologies.

Prior to the vote, the representatives of the CEC of Georgia familiarized themselves with the activities undertaken in the field of electronic voting technology logistics and the related processes. On election day, Ana Abuladze and Irakli Rcheulishvili monitored, in the state of West Bengal, the use of electoral electronic technologies in the voting process, the opening of polling stations, and the conduct of voting.

The international observation program was implemented from 19 to 25 April inclusive and was attended by representatives of election administrations from various countries.

[CEC of Georgia @cecgovge]

Representatives of the Central Election Commission (CEC) participated in an international election observation programme. Maka Benashvili, Electoral Practice and Report Analysis Manager of the CEC Legal Department, and Nikoloz Gogsadze, a staff member of the Election Process Management Department, took part in the programme at the invitation of the Election Commission of India, within the framework of which they observed the legislative elections in India.

Within the framework of the international election observation programme, representatives of the Central Election Commission of Georgia familiarized themselves in detail with the electoral system of India, the logistical arrangements related to electronic voting technologies, the setup of polling stations, and other associated key issues. The programme also included a demonstration of electronic voting technologies for international observers, during which they received comprehensive information on the functions and principal characteristics of these technologies.

On polling day, representatives of the Central Election Commission observed the operation of these technologies in the State of Kerala. They monitored the opening of polling stations and the conduct of the voting process, including the functioning of the aforementioned technologies. They also participated in a meeting held in New Delhi with the Chairperson and members of the Commission, where a range of significant electoral issues were discussed.

The international election observation programme was implemented during the period from 6 to 10 April, inclusive, while the legislative elections in the Republic of India were held on 9 April.

Representatives of election administrations from various countries participated in the international observation programme.

[CEC of Georgia @cecgovge]

Representatives of the Central Election Commission (CEC) observed the elections and referendum held in the Republic of Maldives. CEC member Archil Anasashvili and Head of the Election Technology Support Division Davit Tomashvili monitored the Local Council and Women’s Development Committee Elections in the Republic of Maldives.

CEC representatives visited Republic of Maldives at the invitation of the country’s Elections Commission, with the status of international observers. On election day, they monitored the opening of polling stations, the voting process, and the counting of results at polling stations located in Malé, the capital of the Republic of Maldives. The CEC delegation also attended an informational briefing on the preliminary results of the elections. The delegation met with the President of the Election Commission of the Republic of Maldives and its members, where issues related to future cooperation between the electoral administrations of the two countries were discussed.

The elections and referendum in the Republic of Maldives were held on April 4.

[CEC of Georgia @cecgovge]

The Chairperson of the Central Election Commission (CEC), Giorgi Kalandarishvili, spoke at the international conference titled “International Cooperation in Election Management – Digital Innovation, Capacity Development, and Institutional Learning,” where he discussed the experience of the election administration.

The international conference was held in Yerevan, organized by the Central Election Commission of Armenia, and was attended by representatives and experts from member countries of the Executive Board of the Association of World Election Bodies (A-WEB), as well as election administrations and international organizations from various countries. From the Georgian election administration, along with the CEC Chairperson, the Commission Secretary Giorgi Javakhishvili and members Giorge Dzagania and Archil Anasashvili attended the conference. They actively participated in the panel discussion during the session “Capacity Development and Institutional Cooperation,” where Giorgi Kalandarishvili, as the keynote speaker, delivered a presentation and spoke about the significant role of international cooperation in strengthening electoral systems.

Conference participants also discussed a number of important electoral issues. Among them, one of the conference sessions was dedicated to digital transformation in election administration. They reviewed the digital tools and technological solutions implemented by participating countries in their electoral systems and discussed their application opportunities and challenges.

As part of the visit, delegation members also got familiarized with the preparations for the elections planned in Armenia. They received information from the leadership of the Central Election Commission of Armenia and discussed issues related to election administration.

The CEC of Georgia delegation also held meetings with representatives of election administrations from various countries, where they discussed the challenges, needs, and future cooperation issues facing electoral administrations.

The international conference was held in Yerevan on March 25.

[CEC of Georgia @cecgovge]

📎 The official visit of representatives of Albania’s Election Administration @KQZShqiperi to the Central Election Commission of Georgia (CEC) is currently ongoing.

📎 For the second consecutive day, members of the delegation are being acquainted with the experience of Georgia’s Central Election Commission in the field of logistics and software support for electoral electronic technologies.

📎Representatives of various structural units of the Georgian CEC are providing the Albanian electoral administration delegation with detailed information on key issues, including the configuration and deployment of electoral equipment, planning of the electoral process, quality control, software systems, and other important matters.

[CEC of Georgia @cecgovge]

The Central Election Commission of Georgia (CEC) is hosting the election administration of Albania. The Albanian delegation, during a two-day visit to Georgia, is holding meetings at the Central Election Commission.

On March 24, representatives of Albania’s Election Administration met with the Deputy Chairperson of the Central Election Commission, Giorgi Sharabidze. He spoke about the importance of strengthening cooperation between election administrations and sharing experience. He also introduced the delegation members to Georgia’s experience in implementing electronic elections.

“Today, the Central Election Commission of Georgia is hosting colleagues from Albania’s Election Administration to share the experience the administration has gained during the last two elections in terms of implementing technologies. During the visit, the Georgian Election Administration will provide colleagues with all the information related to the introduction of technologies and the entire chain associated with it. Such visits are held on a regular basis to facilitate the exchange of relevant information on electoral procedures. The CEC continues to maintain relations with international partners to better ensure they are informed about the ongoing electoral processes in Georgia,” stated Giorgi Sharabidze after the meeting.

Today, the delegation members also met with representatives of the Central Election Commission of Georgia, including the Head of the Election Processes Management Department Eka Tsabashvili, Electronic Technologies Manager Giorgi Sturua, Head of Election Technology Maintenance Division Nikoloz Iovadze, and Head of the Logistics Division Levan Devidze.

Over the course of two days, representatives of the Central Election Commission will share information with the delegation on election process planning, the configuration of election equipment, election logistics, and other important issues.

Representatives of the Albanian Election Administration have the opportunity to familiarize themselves on site with voter verification, voting, and vote-counting machines, as well as the specifics of how they operate.

“We are honored to visit Georgia and learn more about your day-to-day activities. Our office within the Albanian Election Administration is responsible for administering the electoral process, and we are here to better understand how election logistics are organized in both directions—both in terms of election technologies and the conduct of the electoral process,”- stated Daniela Alimehmeti, Head of the Directorate of Logistics of the Albanian Election Administration.

The Albanian Election Administration delegation includes Daniela Alimehmeti, head of the Directorate of Logistics; Gerion Vezuli, Chief of the Sector of Voters’ Electronic Registration and Identification, and Enkelejda Çeço, Chief of the Sector of Electoral Logistics Coordination.

The study visit is being conducted under the framework of a memorandum between the Albanian Election Administration and the Central Election Commission of Georgia, which, among other important areas, aims to facilitate the sharing of experience in election technologies.

[CEC of Georgia @cecgovge]

The memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Central Election Commission (CEC), the Youth Agency of Georgia and other partner institutions. The memorandum, initiated by the Youth Agency, aims to strengthen the capacities of youth centers and spaces, promote their strategic use, enhance engagement with young people, and increase youth awareness of state services.

According to the memorandum, the parties will support the implementation of youth projects within their respective competencies. Joint educational and information campaigns are planned, along with the organization of conferences, seminars, and working meetings.

On behalf of the election administration, the memorandum was signed by the Chairperson of the Central Election Commission, Giorgi Kalandarishvili. As he noted, the initiative will enable the election administration to reach more young people with information on important and topical electoral issues. This, in turn, will raise awareness of electoral matters and increase youth motivation to participate more actively in electoral processes.

Cooperation between the election administration and the Youth Agency has significantly deepened in recent years. Within the framework of this successful partnership, numerous events and projects have been implemented to increase youth awareness and deepen their understanding of electoral processes.

The memorandum was signed on March 5. The event was attended, together with the CEC Chairperson, by the Head of the CEC Strategic Communications Department, Ketevan Dangadze.