GYLA’s observers are observing the June 15/2014 majoritarian by-elections of the representative body of the local self-government – Sakrebulo in the district #64 – Senaki and #67-Zugdidi. The observers are present at the precincts #34 and 35 of the Senaki district and at the precincts #67 and 45 of the Zugdidi district.
Despite some violations, the polling process was mainly conducted in the peaceful environment.
All three polling stations were equipped with the relevant electoral materials and were prepared for receiving a first voter in a timely manner. In separate cases, two representatives of an electoral subject were present at the polling station and the integrity of the electoral box seal was damaged.
By 20:00, the polling procedures have finished in all three precinct election commissions. By now, the fact of violating the secrecy of vote as well as the fact of indirect influence on the voter’s will were revealed.
The following violations were revealed:
Indirect influence on the voter’s will
The persons, divided in small groups were present at the territory, adjacent to the polling station #45 of the Zugdidi district #67. The individuals were counting the arriving voters and controlling their arrival, which represents an indirect influence on the free expression of voter’s will.
Violating the secrecy of vote
Two facts of violating the secrecy of vote were revealed at the precinct #45 of the Zugdidi district #67.
In one case the voter took the photo of the ballot inside the secret voting booth, while in the second case, the voter signed the ballot outside the secret booth and openly declared their choice.
Presence of the two representatives of an electoral subject at the polling station
At the precinct #45 of the Zugdidi district #67, two representatives of one electoral subject were present at the polling station; however, after the remark was made, the problem was resolved.
Damaging the integrity of the ballot box
At the precincts #34 and 35 of the Senaki district #64, the integrity of the box seal was damaged. In this regard, the electoral commission made a decision to re-seal the ballot box and continue the polling process.
The election administration was adequately responding to the verbal remarks, made by GYLA observers and was resolving/eradicating the electoral violations. In cases when the violations are resolved, as a rule, GYLA observers do not usually write a complaint.
GYLA has made one remark in the logbook.
It should also be mentioned that both the supporters of the electoral subjects and their representatives (approx. 40 individuals), as well as the security police staff are present at the adjacent territory of the precinct #45 of the Zugdidi district #67.
We call upon the supporters of electoral subjects and their representatives to abide by the public order and to peacefully wait for the summary results.
Since its founding in 1994, GYLA actively observes the elections of the legislative, executive and local self-government elections and attempts to promote peaceful and fair elections, as well as full compliance with the legislation of Georgia during the electoral process.
GYLA will further distribute the information regarding the observation of the vote counting and summarizing the results at a later stage.
