2024 Parliamentary Elections

1. Introduction and Key Findings

To provide a comprehensive overview of the parliamentary election of October 26, 2024, it is important to assess the entire electoral process, which includes a detailed analysis of the pre-election period, election day, and the post-election period, and to draw conclusions based on these grounds.

The results of the October 26 parliamentary election, regardless of the outcome, cannot be seen as truly reflecting the preferences of Georgian voters. Although ISFED’s PVT results verification is consistent with the results announced by the CEC, the PVT results verification cannot be used as a measure of the validity of the electoral process because fundamental flaws in pre-election and election day processes impacted voters’ ability to express their free choice.

Violations revealed during the pre-election period, namely voter pressure, intimidation, confiscation of identity cards, collection/processing of personal data, and voter bribery, significantly damaged trust in the election. On election day, ISFED documented serious violations, such as ballot stuffing of ballot papers, multiple voting, unprecedented levels of voter bribery, expulsion of observers from polling stations, as well as instances of mobilizing voters outside polling stations, collecting their personal data, and controlling their voting intentions.  According to ISFED’s assessment, given the combination of these violations, the results cannot reflect the will of the voters. As a result, ISFED will not release precise PVT estimates. ISFED continues to monitor and analyze the evolution of electoral processes.

 

2. Pre-election Period

During the pre-election campaign, the ruling party held a significant advantage due to the state resources at its disposal. Several electorally motivated social, economic, and infrastructural programs and projects were initiated, and employees of budgetary organizations actively participated in the ruling party's campaign events. The pre-election environment was damaged by numerous instances of personal data collection/processing from voters and the alleged confiscation of citizens' identity cards, which represents an attempt to pressure voters and hinder their ability to express their will. Additionally, during the pre-election period, the online publication "Batumelebi" published an article revealing how "Georgian Dream" compiles dossiers on voters using personal data unlawfully obtained from various state agencies. The ruling party’s collection and processing of large volumes of personal data further confirms the existence of a large-scale scheme of voter bribery and pressure, as outlined in a study co-authored by ISFED in July 2022. The lack of response from relevant investigative agencies further exacerbates this problem. 

The parliamentary election was preceded by a number of changes in the electoral legislation, the most problematic of which was the worsening of the rule for the Central Election Commission’s composition, whereby the quorum required for making decisions in the Central Election Commission was reduced from a qualified majority to a simple majority, and changes in the terms for the allocation of functions among members of Precinct Election Commissions. The aforementioned changes negatively affected the quality of independence of the election administration and the election processes.

Prior to the election, Russian information operations in political processes, which were directed against democratic actors and processes, were significantly intensified.

During the pre-election period, enabling voters residing abroad to exercise their voting rights was a significant issue, which persisted on election day. According to ISFED’s assessment, the problems and tendencies observed in the pre-election period were directly linked to the violations seen on election day.

 

3. Election Day 

ISFED monitored the election day proceedings across the entire country (excluding the Russian-occupied territories). ISFED’s election observation mission consists of around 1,000 observers deployed inside of polling stations, 235 observers deployed outside of polling stations, and 45 observers at polling stations abroad, as well as 73 observers deployed at District Election Commissions (DECs) and 85 mobile groups. On election day, the organization’s central office had data collection/verification and analysis (32 operators) and incident/complaints centers (23 lawyers).

Numerous problematic incidents and violations were observed across the country during the voting process. 9% of polling stations did not uphold the secrecy of the vote. Additionally, issues related to the inking procedure were detected at 9% of the polling stations. Cases where observers’ rights were restricted, along with intimidation, verbal and physical violence, and their expulsion from polling stations, were reported. In several polling stations, incidents of mass ballot stuffing in ballot boxes and multiple voting were also recorded.

ISFED identified cases of voter tracking at the outside perimeter of 31% of polling stations. The organization recorded instances of verbal and physical confrontations or threats at the outside perimeter of 11% of polling stations. Voter transportation was detected at 19% of polling stations. Alleged voter bribery was observed at the outside perimeter of 13% of polling stations. ISFED received information regarding the processes occurring outside the polling stations from 91% of polling stations included in the selection. 

 

3.1 Recorded incidents/violations

ISFED observers noted up to 170 incidents/violations inside the polling stations, among which the following are particularly noteworthy:

• 2 cases of ballot stuffing into ballot boxes (polling stations #69 and #22 of the #22 Marneuli electoral district);
• 4 cases of multiple voting were recorded (at polling station #28 of the Isani electoral district #5, at polling station #71 of the Marneuli district #22 - 2 cases, and at polling station #18 of the Ambrolauri district #44);
• 16 cases of inking procedure violations (at polling stations #28 and #34 of the Isani electoral district #5, polling station #39 of the Chugureti electoral district #7, polling station #79 of the Nadzaladevi electoral district #9, polling station #9 of the Borjomi electoral district #36, polling station #23 of the Aspindza electoral district #39, polling station #23 of the Vani electoral district #53, polling station #49 of the Kutaisi electoral district #59, polling station #9 of the Abasha electoral district #63, polling station #42 of the Gori electoral district #32, polling station #57 of the Batumi electoral district #79, polling station #1 of the Khulo electoral district #84, and polling station #14 of the Vake electoral district #2, as well as polling station #17 of the Gori electoral district #32);
• 25 cases of voting secrecy violations (at polling station #32 of Tsalka electoral district #25, polling station #17 of Dedoplistskaro electoral district #14, polling station #49 of Bolnisi electoral district #23, polling station #28 of Dmanisi electoral district #24, polling station #24 of Kaspi electoral district #30, polling station #24 of Kaspi electoral district #30, polling station #33 of Senaki electoral district #64, polling station #15 of Dedoplistskaro electoral district #14, polling station #1 of Khulo electoral district #84, polling station #5 of Batumi electoral district #79, polling station #8 of Gurjaani electoral district #12, polling station #54 of Zugdidi electoral district #67, polling station #31 of Kaspi electoral district #30, polling station #46 of Kutaisi electoral district #59, polling station #23 of Khoni electoral district #55, polling station #9 of Kvareli electoral district #16, polling station #18 of Ambrolauri electoral district #44, polling station #41 of Thessaloniki);
• 11 cases of restricting the observer's rights and expulsion from the precinct (at polling station #26 of Vake electoral district #2, polling stations #9 and #12 of Zugdidi electoral district #67, polling station #3 of Isani electoral district #5, polling station #12, #20 and #26 of Kvareli electoral district #16, polling station #22 of Kaspi electoral district #30, polling station #49 of Kutaisi electoral district #59, polling station #41 of Mtskheta electoral district #27, polling station #2 of Martvili electoral district #65);
• 16 cases of transmission of more than one ballot, namely at polling stations #16 and #31 of Mtatsminda electoral district #1, polling station #51 of Samgori electoral district #6, polling station #12 of Dedoplistskaro electoral district #14, polling station #6 of Telavi electoral district #17, polling station #57 of Marneuli electoral district #22, polling station #1 of Tsalka electoral district #25, polling station #24 of Kaspi electoral district #30, polling station #1 of Khashuri electoral district #35, polling station #43 of Kutaisi electoral district #59, polling stations #10, #66, and #89 (two cases) of Batumi electoral district #79, polling station #14 and #33 of Kobuleti electoral district #81;
• 14 cases related to mobile ballot boxes (at polling station #15 of Vake electoral district #2, polling station #84 of Gori electoral district #32, polling station #60 of Saburtalo electoral district #3, polling station #23 of Shuakhevi electoral district #82, polling station #18 of Saburtalo electoral district #3, polling station #4 of Shuakhevi electoral district #82, polling station #23 of Chugureti electoral district #7, polling station #15 of Zugdidi electoral district #67, polling station #13 of Abasha electoral district #63, polling station #15 of Batumi electoral district #79);
• 8 cases of problems related to electronic devices (at polling station #5 of Kvareli electoral district #16, polling station #7 of Isani electoral district #5, polling station #45 of Isani electoral district #5, polling station #56 of Vake electoral district #2, polling stations #14 and #10 of Vake electoral district #2, polling station #44 of Isani electoral district #5, polling station #16 of Mtatsminda electoral district #1);
• 5 cases related to the setup of the polling station (at polling stations #20 and #26 of Kvareli electoral district #16, polling stations #18 and #54 of Zugdidi electoral district #67, polling station #26 of Vake electoral district #2, polling station #55 of Isani electoral district #5);
• 4 cases of voting with inadequate documents (at polling station #32 of Dmanisi electoral district #24, polling station #68 of Marneuli electoral district #22, polling station #24 of Kaspi electoral district #30, and polling station #24 of Chugureti electoral district #7).

 

3.2. Statistics of complaints and statements

ISFED observers filed over 200 complaints in total, with more than 100 directed to Precinct Election Commissions, and 95 to District Election Commissions. About 70 notes were documented in the record book. Also, 1 complaint was submitted to the CEC concerning the Thessaloniki election precinct.

 

3.3. Trends observed outside of polling stations

Outside polling stations, ISFED identified over 100 incidents. These included cases of suspicious gatherings of unauthorized individuals, organized (repeated) voter mobilization, alleged bribery, voter tracking, control of voter will, agitation, and the involvement of civil servants in these processes:

 

Suspicious gathering of individuals

• At polling station #10 of electoral district #79 (Batumi), within a 100-meter radius, there was a gathering of unidentified persons, who were characterized by aggressive behavior, campaigning in favor of "Georgian Dream," and using offensive language towards opposition parties; 
• At polling station #14 of electoral district #52 (Baghdati), several individuals, suspected to be representatives/supporters of the ruling party, gathered outside the 100-meter perimeter. These individuals were spread out among three cars, and occasionally, voters indicated to them that they had already made their choice.

• At polling station #25 of electoral district #56 (Chiatura), vehicles were positioned 100 meters outside, where a representative of "Georgian Dream", standing at the entrance of the voting room, periodically communicated with individuals inside the cars; 
• At polling station #5 of electoral district #35 (Khashuri), there was a suspicious gathering of 6-7 people standing very close to the polling station door, watching voters. According to the perception of ISFED’s outside observer, the individuals present constantly tried to influence the voters' behavior;
• At polling station #23 of electoral district #12 (Gurjaani), several coordinators were observed standing at the entrance of the premises, carrying voter lists with them;
• At polling station #41 of electoral district #7 (Chugureti), a suspicious gathering of individuals was observed within a 100-meter radius. They actively communicated with voters;
• At polling station #39 of electoral district #25 (Tsalka), 4 coordinators allegedly affiliated with "Georgian Dream" were gathered within a 100-meter perimeter of the polling station.
• At polling station #48 of electoral district #22 (Marneuli), approximately 10 individuals were gathered near the polling station, taking turns moving around the surrounding perimeter and periodically communicating with members of the Precinct Election Commission;
• At polling station #14 of electoral district #22 (Marneuli), within a 100-meter perimeter, there was a minibus transporting voters;
• At polling station #37 of electoral district #6 (Samgori), a gathering of 10 young men was observed about 25 meters from the polling station;
• At polling station #23 of electoral district #6 (Samgori), over 10 individuals were mobilized, periodically engaging in communication with voters;
• Near polling station #37 of electoral district #12 (Gurjaani), coordinators from "Georgian Dream" were mobilized within 100 meters of the voting building;
• At polling station #10 of electoral district #16 (Kvareli), the mobilization of 3 individuals was observed, who were monitoring the situation from a distance and recording information;
• At polling station #68 of electoral district #59 (Kutaisi), suspicious individuals' movement was observed within a 100-meter radius starting at 11:00, who were in communication with the observer, allegedly from "Georgian Dream". Occasionally, one of these individuals would exit the vehicle and stop at the polling station; 
• Near polling station #24 of electoral district #20 (Rustavi), ISFED’s observer noticed a woman guiding voters and waiting for them to return. This individual reportedly escorted approximately 20 voters in this manner;
• Near polling station #37 of electoral district #27 (Mtskheta), a gathering occurred. According to an outside observer from ISFED, suspicious individuals were noted within a 100-meter perimeter of the polling station. In the second half of the day, between 14:00-15:00 and 18:00-19:00, people gathered as close as 10 meters from the polling station entrance, trying to record the identities of individuals on paper. One incident was revealed where an individual had two voters sign a document as they left the polling station and told them it would be delivered on Monday or Tuesday; 
• At polling station #9 of electoral district #6 (Samgori), two individuals were present, one of whom openly identified himself as an agitator. He campaigned by phone and called voters on a list, urging them to participate in the election;
• At polling station #23 of electoral district #6 (Samgori), two groups, consisting of 3 and 8 people, were mobilized within a 100-meter radius. They appeared near the polling station at different periods, engaging in conversations with voters periodically; 
• Near polling station #10 of electoral district #5 (Isani), an individual was actively communicating with voters within a 100-meter perimeter. Subsequently, individuals armed with cold weapons appeared in the vicinity of the same polling station, exhibiting signs of intoxication.
• At polling station #13 of electoral district #1 (Mtatsminda), a vehicle was mobilized 50 meters away, with one cleric and another man present. The cleric and those accompanying him approached the area around the polling station at various intervals;
• At polling station #29 of electoral district #1 (Mtatsminda), 6 coordinators were observed within a 100-meter radius. These individuals actively communicated with voters;
• At polling station #30 of electoral district #57 (Tkibuli), a suspicious gathering was noted. Mobilization of unidentified individuals was observed in close proximity to the polling station. Periodically, a representative of "Georgian Dream" exited the polling station and engaged in communication with these individuals;
• At polling station #15 of electoral district #12 (Gurjaani), mobilization of coordinators was observed, who actively engaged with voters after which they entered to vote. One of the coordinators informed the observer that he and the individuals he was communicating with were from "Georgian Dream";
• At polling station #70 of electoral district #2 (Vake), a group of individuals were mobilized throughout the day, moving within a 100-meter radius of the area. This group typically consisted of 4 to 5 individuals;
• At polling station #11 of electoral district #22 (Marneuli), a suspicious gathering of 10 individuals was observed;
• At polling station #9 of electoral district #70 (Poti), mobilization of coordinators was reported. There were 5 individuals in a minibus who had lists to record voters. Upon being asked by an outside observer to show the lists, they began hiding them;
• At polling station #23 of electoral district #55 (Khoni), a case of mobilization involving "Georgian Dream" coordinators was revealed within a 100-meter perimeter; 
• At polling station #2 of electoral district #38 (Adigeni), located within a school building, 3 individuals were observed in other classrooms making certain notes. Approximately 100 meters away from the same polling station, a car with four people was seen collecting information about voters;
• Near polling station #49 of electoral district #24 (Dmanisi), a group of several individuals was gathered approximately 60 meters away, engaging in communication with voters;
• Near polling station #62 of electoral district #2 (Vake), a suspicious gathering of up to 10 individuals was observed. They engaged in communication with voters of the polling station;
• At polling station #13 of electoral district #51 (Chiatura), "Georgian Dream" coordinators were mobilized within a 100-meter radius;
• At polling station #12 of electoral district #83 (Khelvachauri), a mobilization of coordinators was noticed, with 5-6 individuals who possibly represented "Georgian Dream" present at the place since the start of the voting process; 
• At polling station #17 of electoral district #9 (Nadzaladevi), a gathering of up to 10 people was observed within a radius of 100 meters.
• At polling station #22 of electoral district #49 (Terjola), “Georgian Dream” coordinators' mobilization was observed. Coordinators were present within a 100-meter perimeter of the polling station, exchanging information about voters.
• At polling station #34 of electoral district #21 (Gardabani), more than 20 people were gathered within a 100-meter radius. Voters stopped by the group after casting their votes.
• At polling station #3 of electoral district #7 (Chugureti), approximately 10 individuals, were observed standing just 5 meters from the polling area. The attempt for some individuals to leave the polling station triggered irritation in Giorgi Volski, a member of the "Georgian Dream" party list, who was in the yard after voting. He engaged in a verbal confrontation with the observer; 
• Near polling station #19 of electoral district #9 (Nadzaladevi), a gathering of over 10 people was observed approximately 25 meters away. The individuals present spoke negatively about the electoral subject "Unity - National Movement" and used offensive language directed at the political party. The gathered individuals communicated with the observer from the "Khashuri Women Entrepreneurs Union”;
• At polling station #40 of electoral district #23 (Bolnisi), the mobilization of "Georgian Dream" coordinators was observed around 20 meters from the polling station during the voting process, who interacted with voters;
• At polling station #29 of electoral district #57 (Tkibuli), coordinators were present within a radius of up to 100 meters, simultaneously mobilizing voters;
• At polling station #2 of electoral district #30 (Kaspi) (on the territory of the kindergarten) a suspicious situation was noted. Specifically, two cars were observed near the polling station - one located directly at the kindergarten gate and the other approximately 20 meters away from the polling station. Inside the vehicles were 4-5 individuals who communicated with voters periodically throughout the day. Notably, when the observer inquired about the reason for their prolonged presence, the individuals avoided answering the question; 
• At polling station #41 of electoral district #7 (Chugureti), a significant mobilization of political party coordinators was observed. The outside observer noted a large gathering of people within a 100-meter radius of the polling station. According to the observer, the individuals were coordinators of the "Georgian Dream" party. Although the observer did not manage to identify specific individuals, he noted the registration number of the vehicle from which one of the coordinators recorded, who later distributed certain documents to other coordinators. The owner of the car also coordinated with the others; 
• At polling station #41 of electoral district #7 (Chugureti), an observer from the “International Observatory of Advocates and Lawyers” was seen speaking with an individual in a car and receiving certain instructions. According to the ISFED observer, this person was associated with the "Georgian Dream

 

Organized (repeated) voter mobilization

• At polling station #14 of electoral district #22 (Marneuli), within a 100-meter perimeter, there was a minibus transporting voters;
• At polling station #68 of electoral district #59 (Kutaisi), voters were repeatedly transported by one individual using a sedan-type vehicle;
• At polling station #9 of electoral district #6 (Samgori), an individual transported voters to the polling stations around 10 times throughout the day. The person communicated with an individual authorized to be present at the polling station, inquiring who else needed to be brought;
• At polling station #55 of electoral district #6 (Samgori), an individual repeatedly brought voters to the polling station using their own vehicle. This person was seen communicating with people assembled in a suspicious gathering near the station;
• At polling station #51 of electoral district #6 (Samgori), two vehicles were spotted outside of the station’s 100-meter radius. Several individuals were inside the cars. Near one of the vehicles, an intoxicated coordinator was loudly agitating in favor of “Georgian Dream”;
• Near polling station #55 of electoral district #5 (Isani), several individuals were keeping track of voters. These individuals also took a voter’s ID away from them to collect personal information and then returned it. They also accompanied a voter into the polling station;
• Near polling station #36 of electoral district #5 (Isani), coordinators were observed transporting voters using a minibus;
• Near polling station #28 of electoral district #41 (Ninotsminda), one of the six individuals gathered had a list and recorded voters for several hours. Additionally, a car was spotted at the same station, with one of its occupants also having a list of voters. The individuals inside the car occasionally entered the building;
• Near polling station #15 of the electoral district #30 (Kaspi), organized and repeated voter mobilization/transportation was being carried out. According to ISFED’s observer, voter mobilization was recorded at least 5-6 times using the same vehicle;
• At polling station #21 of electoral district #37 (Akhaltsikhe), voter transportation was provided by a public servant, Shota Vardidze, who, according to ISFED’s observer, holds a position in the administrative unit in the village of Skhvilisi, Akhaltsikhe Municipality;
• Near polling station #20 of electoral district #61 (Lanchkhuti), organized voter mobilization was carried out using a minibus and a minivan. The individuals involved in the mobilization were affiliated with a representative of “Georgian Dream.” 

 

Alleged control of voters’ will

• At polling station #49 of electoral district #20 (Rustavi), voters were entering a private property near the same polling station, where ISFED’s observer was not allowed entry;
• At polling station #10 of electoral district #5 (Isani), within a 100-meter perimeter of the station, a person was actively communicating with voters arriving to cast their ballots;
• At polling station #12 of electoral district #7 (Chugureti), mobilization of unidentified individuals was observed. According to ISFED’s observer, the gathered individuals were attempting to influence voters;
• At polling station #3 of electoral district #7 (Chugureti), employees of the Chugureti district administration were present and interacting with voters. Some of them also cast their ballots at the given polling station but did not leave the nearby area. According to ISFED’s observer, these individuals were acting in coordination, attempting to persuade voters to vote for the ruling party. From 07:30, a group of individuals were also present at this polling station, displaying aggressive behavior toward opposition parties. One of them was contacting voters and aggressively urging them to vote;
• Near polling station #36 of electoral district #3 (Saburtalo), a member of the "Georgian Dream" party list, Levan Makharashvili, was present for about an hour, moving between the courtyard and the hall of the polling station;
• Near polling station #64 of electoral district #59 (Kutaisi), coordinators of "Georgian Dream" were carrying lists, reminding voters whom they should vote for;
• Near polling station #11 of electoral district #61 (Lanchkhuti), within a 100-meter radius, the chairman of the municipal council was noticed by ISFED’s observer moving around the perimeter and talking to voters;
• At the entrance of polling station #16 of electoral district #39 (Aspindza), four individuals were persistently instructing voters to vote for "Georgian Dream";
• Near polling station #15 of electoral district #37 (Akhaltsikhe), a vehicle was present from 08:00  within a 100-meter perimeter of the station, with two individuals inside communicating with voters before they entered the polling station to vote. These individuals were operating in conjunction with accredited representatives of "Georgian Dream"; 
• Near polling station #60 of electoral district #3 (Saburtalo), a person armed with a weapon was observed surveilling the station;
• At polling station #26 of electoral district #2 (Vake), two individuals were stopping and talking to voters. It was unclear what the topic of discussion was. After ISFED’s observer intervened, they left the area;
• Twenty meters from polling station #23 of electoral district #57 (Tkibuli), a vehicle was observed with four occupants expressing interest in voters’ decisions. 

 

Tracking of voters 

• Near polling station #55 of electoral district #6 (Samgori), a person inside a car was communicating with voters and allegedly recording them using the respective list;
• Near polling station #6 of electoral district #2 (Vake), two individuals were seen communicating with and recording voters;
• Near polling station #37 of electoral district #12 (Gurjaani), voter tracking was taking place from inside a minibus;
• At polling station #75 of electoral district #10 (Gldani), tracking of voters by mobilized coordinators was noted. They were stationed about 50 meters from the polling station and had been there since the start of the voting process;
• Near polling station #5 of electoral district #57 (Tkibuli), five individuals inside a car were recording voters using lists;
• Near polling station #10 of electoral district #79 (Batumi), three coordinators tracked voters. At the same time, they were contacting voters by phone, urging them to come to the polling station;
• At the outer perimeter of polling station #49 of electoral district #59 (Kutaisi), two coordinators present had a list of voters on their mobile phones;
• At polling station #31 of electoral district #56 (Chiatura), according to ISFED’s external observer, a small building was located next to the polling station, where coordinators of “Georgian Dream” were present, presumably collecting voter information;
• At polling station #6 of electoral district #12 (Gurjaani), an observer noted individuals within a light vehicle tracking voters within a 100-meter perimeter;
• At polling station #45 of electoral district #79 (Batumi), tracking of voters was recorded. Within a 100-meter perimeter, individuals in two cars were present from the opening of the polling station until evening, marking names of voters on lists after they had voted;
• At polling station #23 of electoral district #59 (Kutaisi), tracking of voters was recorded. Two coordinators occasionally entered the building with lists for that purpose;
• At polling station #28 of electoral district #5 (Isani), names of voters were being tracked on special lists within a 30-meter radius of the station;
• At polling station #12 of electoral district #5 (Isani), names of voters were being tracked, following communication with them;
• At the entrance of polling station #9 of electoral district #6 (Samgori), an individual was tracking voters, marking them in a list via information gathered over the phone and urging them to come to the polling station;
• Near polling station #50 of electoral district #67 (Zugdidi), about ten individuals were gathered with a list of "Georgian Dream" supporters, tracking voters;
• At polling station #13 of electoral district #1 (Mtatsminda), two coordinators were present and after casting their votes, they returned to the polling station twice. One of them mentioned in a private conversation with an internal observer that they were agitators for "Georgian Dream". One coordinator was naming specific surnames of voters arriving at the polling station via mobile phone;
• At polling station #17 of electoral district #32 (Gori), voter tracking was observed from inside a vehicle. Two individuals inside the car were coordinating with those outside, who openly identified as being affiliated with "Georgian Dream";
• At the entrance of polling station #23 of electoral district #12 (Gurjaani), voter tracking was taking place by five coordinators with printed lists;
• At polling station #17 of electoral district #18 (Akhmeta), within a 100-meter radius, voter tracking took place under the coordination of a civil servant, Maia Cholikidze, who is a representative of the Mayor of Akhmeta Municipality in the village of Kvemo Alvani. An organized group was collecting information about voters who had come to vote and were periodically contacting others, urging them to participate in the election;
• At polling station #15 of electoral district #30 (Kaspi), within a 100-meter perimeter, voter tracking was observed. According to ISFED’s external observer, the registration was being carried out by unidentified individuals from inside a car. 
• At polling station #38 of electoral district #84 (Khulo), voter tracking and organized transportation were carried out by suspected coordinators of "Georgian Dream." According to ISFED’s observer, there was communication among these individuals regarding money and a paper list of voters was observed. The observer witnessed a coordinator instructing another coordinator to stand aside and monitor who was arriving to vote;
• Near polling station #30 of electoral district #26 (Tetritskaro), several individuals were engaged in voter tracking. Additionally, they were speaking to voters near the polling station entrance. One individual entered the station holding a list, then went upstairs and observed the arrival of voters from a window, simultaneously relaying information to an unidentified person;
• At polling station #31 of electoral district #83 (Khelvachauri), voter tracking was observed. Tracking was based on pre-prepared lists and was conducted within a 100-meter perimeter from the polling station;
• Within a 100-meter perimeter of polling station #25 of electoral district #58 (Tskaltubo), tracking was carried out by a representative of "Georgian Dream," along with associates. Tracking occurred immediately after voters exited the polling station;
• Near polling station #24 of electoral district #3 (Saburtalo), three individuals in a nearby car were tracking voters. They temporarily stopped their activities after ISFED’s external observer approached them;
• At polling station #60 of electoral district #3 (Saburtalo), instances of voter tracking were identified. According to ISFED’s observer, a person stationed at the entrance of the polling station was questioning voters and noting information about them;
• At polling station #7 of electoral district #5 (Isani), voter tracking by a gathered group was recorded via phone calls. The seven individuals were present near the polling station from approximately 10:00 to 17:00, with one of them conversing with a representative of "Georgian Dream.” During a phone conversation, one person listed the surnames of voters who had arrived and informed the person on the other end that nearly all from "Georgian Dream" had shown up;
• Within a 100-meter perimeter of polling station #23 of electoral district #55 (Khoni), instances of voter tracking by coordinators of "Georgian Dream", including an accredited representative, were identified;
• Near polling station #1 of electoral district #15 (Lagodekhi), voter tracking was observed. According to an external observer, an individual inside a car was systematically tracking voters, recording personal data after citizens left the polling station.

 

Alleged vote-buying

• At polling station #23 of electoral district #12 (Gurjaani), from 08:30, coordinators were mobilizing voters when ISFED’s observer identified an instance of vote buying involving a payment of 50 GEL to one voter;
• At polling station #1 of electoral district #57 (Tkibuli), a possible case of vote buying was recorded. According to ISFED’s observer, a suspected coordinator of "Georgian Dream", who was present near the polling station since the start of the voting process, handed over 100 GEL to a voter exiting the polling room in the presence of others;
• At polling station #3 of electoral district #7 (Chugureti), a suspected case of vote buying was recorded. An ISFED observer noticed a commotion near the polling station caused by the representative of one election subject capturing the act of a Chugureti administration representative handing a fuel voucher to a voter. According to the observer, the administration representative and others accompanying him asked the individual to delete the recorded footage from their mobile phone;
• At polling station #17 of electoral district #18 (Akhmeta), it is suspected that the representative of the Mayor of Akhmeta Municipality to the village of Kvemo Alvani handed money to a voter;
• At polling station #37 of electoral district #12 (Gurjaani), a member of Gurjaani Municipality Council from "Georgian Dream", a representative for Kachreti Givi Razmazishvili, gave money to a voter exiting the polling station. ISFED’s observer noticed the incident and was verbally assaulted by Razmazishvili;
• At polling station #6 of electoral district #10 (Gldani), a man standing near the polling station slipped money into the pockets of two young male voters, aged 18-19, as he greeted them. Following this, the young voters proceeded to the voting room and later got into the man's car;
• At polling station #12 of electoral district #36 (Borjomi), an observer noticed that a representative of "Georgian Dream" exited the polling station, met with an individual, handed over a piece of paper from which a list was read, and then received money from that person;
• At polling station #13 of electoral district #17 (Telavi), within a 100-meter radius, approximately 10 people were gathered. ISFED’s observer accidentally witnessed a suspected instance of money being handed over;
• At polling station #43 of electoral district #20 (Rustavi), a communication related to suspected vote buying was observed near the polling station. Specifically, one person told another that he had brought eight people and had given 100 GEL to each;
• At polling station #13 of electoral district #17 (Telavi), an observer recorded an instance of money being handed to a voter.

 

Cases of organized (repeated) voter mobilization

• At polling station #39 of electoral district #59 (Kutaisi), a minibus affiliated with the "Georgian Dream" party was stationed at the outer perimeter, with individuals inside presumably gathering information about voters;
• At polling station #37 of electoral district #59 (Kutaisi), organized voter transportation was taking place using a minibus and two passenger cars. Specifically, the vehicles were periodically moving to bring voters to cast their ballots. Additionally, communication was observed between some voters and individuals inside the minibus after voting;
• At polling station #1 of electoral district #57 (Tkibuli), repeated voter transportation was taking place using the same vehicle;
• At polling station #13 of electoral district #20 (Rustavi), approximately 30 meters from the voting building, organized voter transportation and mobilization of coordinators were observed near the polling station. Kindergarten employees were also seen on-site, talking to voters exiting the station and facilitating voter mobilization;
• At polling station #23 of electoral district #12 (Gurjaani), several mobilized individuals were repeatedly transporting voters by car;
• At polling station #78 of electoral district #32 (Gori), organized voter transportation was observed;
• At polling station #31 of electoral district #56 (Chiatura), voter mobilization was carried out using a minibus and a minivan;
• At polling station #6 of electoral district #12 (Gurjaani), along with "Georgian Dream" coordinators, an accredited observer from the locally registered monitoring organization "International Observatory of Advocates and Lawyers" was also involved in voter mobilization. 

 

Placement of campaign materials within a 25-meter radius of the polling station

• At polling station #12 of electoral district #5 (Isani), campaign materials were placed less than 25 meters away from the polling station. The campaign material belonged to the electoral subject "Coalition for Change – Gvaramia, Melia, Girchi, Droa." 

 

Physical/verbal confrontation

• At polling station #49 of electoral district #59 (Kutaisi), a verbal confrontation occurred between a representative of the party "Unity-National Movement" and the chairperson of the Precinct Election Commission near the outer perimeter of the polling station;
• At polling station #5 of electoral district #9 (Nadzaladevi), a verbal confrontation occurred between a voter and a commission member at approximately 17:40;
• Inside polling station #34 of electoral district #5 (Isani), a confrontation resulted in the mobilization of journalists and police outside the perimeter of the polling station;
• At polling station #13 of electoral district #67 (Zugdidi), at approximately 16:00, a scuffle occurred related to a mobile ballot box.

 

Physical violence against an observer

• At polling station #13 of electoral district #20 (Rustavi), upon the station’s closure at 20:00, ISFED’s observer was attacked as they attempted to leave the area. The alleged assailant, a coordinator from "Georgian Dream", grabbed the observer by the hair.

 

4. Information about the observation mission

The International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) is monitoring the October 26, 2024 parliamentary election in all electoral districts across Georgia (excluding the occupied territories).

ISFED’s election observation mission consists of around 1,000 observers deployed inside of polling stations, 235 observers deployed outside of polling stations and 45 observers at polling stations abroad, as well as 73 observers deployed at District Election Commissions (DECs) and 85 mobile groups. ISFED operates data and incident analysis and processing centers at its headquarters, with 32 operators and 23 lawyers.

ISFED’s observation of the parliamentary election is based on the Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) methodology, where PVT observers are deployed to a randomly selected, nationally representative sample of polling stations. The outside observation of the polling stations draws on an identical methodology.

 

 

 

 

ISFED's monitoring mission is made possible by the support of the European Union, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Government of the United Kingdom, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). The opinions expressed herein belong solely to ISFED and do not necessarily reflect the views of the EU, USAID, UK, SIDA and NED.