ELECTIONS MONITORING PROGRAM

Tbilisi, Georgia 2016 The present report was developed and published by the Public Movement Multinational Georgia (PMMG) within the frames of the 2016 Parliamentary Elections Complex Monitoring Program being implemented in the elections districts of Samtskhe-Javakheti, Kvemo Kartli and Kakheti regions densely populated with ethnic monitories. The program covered pre-election, Elections Day, Runoff Elections and post-election periods. The elections monitoring program was realized within the framework of the following projects financially supported by the respective donors:

To promote a free, fair and competitive election environment in the areas of Samtskhe-Javakheti, Kvemo Kartli and Kakheti regions with the compact settlement of ethnic minorities

To contribute to the conduct of more free and fair Parliamentary Elections in Samtskhe-Javakheti and Kvemo Kartli regions

Support to free and fair Parliamentary Elections in Samtskhe-Javakheti and Kvemo Kartli regions

Development of Civil Society in Ethnic Minority Regions

To contribute to more competitive, fair and inclusive electoral environment in Georgia for 2016-2018 Electoral Cycles

The content of the report is under the sole responsibility of the PMMG and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the donor organizations. ELECTIONS MONITORING PROGRAM FINAL REPORT

CONTENTS

1. INFORMATION ABOUT THE ELECTIONS MONITORING PROGRAM CARRIED OUT 2 BY THE PUBLIC MOVEMENT MULTINATIONAL GEORGIA PMMG

2. MAIN FINDINGS OF THE ELECTIONS MONITORING PROGRAM 3

3. GENERAL INFORMATION WITH REGARD TO 2016 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS 8 3.1. Management of the elec ons and elec on administra on 3.1.1. Informa onal provision of ethnic minority voters 3.1.2. Capacity building of ethnic Armenian and Azerbaijanian members of pre- cinct elec on commissions 3.1.3. Informa onal provision of ethnic minority voters regarding vo ng proce- dures 3.1.4. Civic and educa onal projects for ethnic minority voters 3.2. The process of registra on of the electoral subjects 3.3. The ethnic composi on of the electoral lists submi ed by the poli cal subjects for 2016 Parliamentary Elec ons of Georgia as well as ethnic affi lia on of ma- joritarian candidates 3.4. The ethnic composi on of the elected members of the Parliament

4. PREELECTION PERIOD 13 4.1. Methodology 4.2. Main fi ndings 4.3. Pre-elec on campaign of the poli cal subjects 4.4. Incidents and tendencies revealed during Pre-elec on monitoring process

5. ELECTIONS DAY: 8 OCTOBER FIRST ROUND 27 5.1. The Elec ons Day monitoring program of the PMMG 5.2. Methodology of the monitoring program 5.3. Main fi ndings of PMMG Elec ons Day monitoring grogram 5.4. The incidents revealed on the Elec ons Day as well as fi led complaints

6. ELECTIONS DAY: 30 OCTOBER RUNOFF ELECTIONS 37 6.1. The Elec ons Day monitoring grogram of the PMMG 6.2. Main fi ndings of PMMG Elec ons Day monitoring grogram 6.3. The incidents revealed on the Elec ons Day as well as fi led complaints

7. INFORMATION ABOUT THE PMMG 44

8. RECOMMENDATIONS 45

1 2016 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

1. INFORMATION ABOUT THE ELECTIONS MONITORING PROGRAM CARRIED OUT BY THE PUBLIC MOVEMENT MULTINATIONAL GEORGIA PMMG

The present report captures the results of Akhalkalaki-Ninotsminda elec on district. 2016 Parliamentary Elec ons monitoring pro- gram carried out by the PMMG. The report For 30 October Runoff Elec ons PMMG car- covers pre-elec on, Elec ons Day, Runoff ried out the monitoring of the Elec on Day Elec ons and post-elec on periods. proceedings in # 23 Sagarejo, # 36 Marneuli, # 44 Adigeni-Akhaltsikhe and # 9 Isani elec- The elec ons monitoring program com- toral districts. The monitoring program cov- menced on 15 July by launching the pre-elec- ered 12 elec on precincts of # 23 Sagarejo on monitoring ac vi es. The target area of ED, 46 elec on precincts of # 36 Marneuli ED, pre-elec on monitoring covered the follow- 7 elec on precincts of # 44 Adigeni-Akhaltsik- ing cons tuencies with high density of ethnic he ED and 8 elec on precincts of # 9 Isani ED. minority popula on: Ninotsminda-Akhalkala- The monitoring program covered 23 Sagare- ki #46, Adigeni-Akhaltsikhe #44, Borjomi-As- jo, # 36 Marneuli, # 44 Adigeni-Akhaltsikhe pindza-Akhalkalaki #45 (Samtskhe-Javakhe and # 9 Isani district elec on commissions as region), Marneuli #35 and #36, Bolnisi-Dman- well as Central Elec on Commission. In total, isi-Tsalka #34, Gardabani #31, Gardabani-Te- on the Elec ons Day 99 short-term observers tritskaro #32 (Kvemo Kartli rgion) and Sagare- were deployed including 73 sta c observes, jo #23 (Kakhe region) Elec on Districts. The 21 mobile group observers, 4 district elec on monitoring programme was implemented commission observers and 1 CEC observer. with the help of 11 long-term observers, who constantly monitor the exis ng electoral con- The post-elec on monitoring was carried di ons and trends. out in the same EDs targeted by the elec on monitoring program. For 8 October Parliamentary Elec ons (fi rst round of elec ons) PMMG conducted the Hereby it has to be noted that since 2003 Elec ons Day monitoring program covering PMMG is ac vely engaged in a process of 8 elec on districts (ED) of Kvemo Kartli, Kak- promo on of fair elec ons as well as eff ec ve he and Samtskhe-Javakeh regions with the realiza on of elec on procedures. Organiza- compact se lement of ethnic minori es: # on conducted Elec ons Day monitoring for 46 Ninotsminda-Akhalkalaki ED, # 35 and # all elec ons held in the country including in 36 Marneuli ED, # 33 Bolnisi ED, # 34 Dman- Adjara region as well as in so called South Os- isi-Tsalka-Bolnisi ED, # 31 Gardabani ED, # 32 se a Region. Tetritskaro-Gardabani ED and # 23 Sagarejo ED. PMMG has assessed pre-elec on, Elec ons Day, Runoff Elec ons and post-elec on peri- The Elec ons Day monitoring program was ods towards the following legal instruments: being implemented by 294 observers de- “obliga ons for the conduct of democra c ployed by the PMMG including 227 sta c ob- elec ons for OSCE member states”, “the code servers, 59 mobile group observers, 6 district of good prac ce in elec on materials (Ven- elec on commission observes and 2 central ice Commission)”, “Copenhagen Document”, elec on commission observers. The mon- other interna onal standards for democra c itoring program en rely covered # 35 and # elec ons as well as Georgian legisla on. 36 Marneuli elec on districts as well as # 46

2 ELECTIONS MONITORING PROGRAM FINAL REPORT

2. MAIN FINDINGS OF THE ELECTIONS MONITORING PROGRAM

PPREREEELECTIONLECTION PERIOD:PERIOD: f)1 incident of alleged use of financial administrative resources; g) 12 incidents ● As compared with the parliamentary of abuse of institutional administrative elections of 2012, the electoral resources; h) 2 incidents of alleged use of environment for the 2016 parliamentary institutional administrative resources. elections was characterised with higher level of freedom in the constituencies ● A suggestive tendency was revealed in with high density of ethnic minority the course of the monitoring program population, namely in Ninotsminda- manifesting in increase of the local Akhalkalaki #46, Adigeni-Akhaltsikhe self-government budgets of Sagarejo, #44, Borjomi-Aspindza-Akhalkalaki #45 Ninotsminda, Adigeni, Akhalkalaki, (Samtskhe-Javakheti region), Marneuli Akhaltsikhe, Gardabani, Marneuli, Bolnisi #35 and #36, Bolnisi-Dmanisi-Tsalka #34, and Dmanisi municipalities in 2016 as Gardabani #31, Gardabani-Tetritskaro compared to the previous 2015. However, #32 (Kvemo Kartli rgion) and Sagarejo taken into account 2015 inflation rate #23 (Kakheti region) Election Districts. as counted by the World Bank then it This created more possibilities for larger appears that the budget of Sagarejo number of political subjects to run municipality actually decreased by 4 % in election campaigns in comparatively free, 2016 and only in Akhalkalaki, Marneuli, fair and competitive environment. Bolnisi and Dmansi was the real increase more than 5%. ● It is also noteworthy that unlike parliamentary elections of 2012, the party- ● Hereby it has to be noted that the highest propaganda content was less present in the real change has been identified in case public events including the presentation of Ahkalkalaki municipality with 44 % of municipal programs to the local increase of 2016 budget as compared communities, launch of infrastructural with the previous year. In addition, initiatives, celebration of anniversaries it can be argued that the budgets of etc. organised in the project target areas, Adigeni, Akhaltsikhe and Ninotsminda which clearly showed a progress. municipalities (at 5 %, 5 % and 4 % respectively, taking into account inflation) ● It must be also mentioned that the electoral have not been considerably increased. environment for the 2016 parliamentary elections in project targeted election ● With regard to financing of infrastructural districts was characterised with less legal projects the analysis of the local gravity of revealed electoral violations and budgets of Sagarejo, Ninotsminda, lower frequency of violations. During pre- Adigeni, Akhalkalaki, Akhaltsikhe, election period, the long-term observers Gardabani, Marneuli, Bolnisi and of the PMMG revealed: a) 2 incidents Dmanisi municipalities have revealed the of physical harassment; b) 1 incident of following tendencies: the increase (taking alleged interference in the conduction into account the inflation) of budgetary of pre-election campaign/activities; c) 1 disbursement on infrastructural projects incident of voter bribing; d) 15 incidents of has been detected in all municipalities alleged use of enforcement administrative with the comparably higher increase resources; e) 2 incidents of abuse of rate revealed in Akhaltsikhe (75 %) and enforcement administrative resources; Akhalkalaki (67 %) municipalities. The 3 2016 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS minor increase on infrastructural projects by the local self-government structures has been revealed in cases of Marneuli (1 for the party purposes; abuse of the %) and Ninotsminda (2 %). enforcement administrative resources for the party purposes; voter bribing by ● As far as the social protection programs the electoral subjects in the pre-election are concerned the budgetary analysis has period; giving presents to the population shown that municipal spending (taken into by the civil servants during a public event; account inflation) has in fact decreased in increasing the financing of the social care cases of Sagarejo (-19 %), Marneuli (- 19 %) or big infrastructure projects by the local and Dmanisi ( -3 %) municipalities with the government in the pre-election period. positive trend of increase in Ninotsminda, Adigeni, Akhalkalaki, Akhaltsikhe, Gardabani and Bolnisi municipalities. Hereby it has to be noted that the highest EELECTIONSLECTIONS DDAY:AY: 8 OOCTOBERCTOBER budgetary spending on social protection programs has been revealed in Akhalkalaki FFIRSTIRST RROUNDOUND: municipality (81 %). ● Given the facts and available evidence ● It is noteworthy to note that pre-election as obtained by the observers, PMMG campaigns run by the political parties in concludes that 8 October, 2016 the programme target areas were not Parliamentary Elections in 8 election sizable in terms of spending funds. districts of Kvemo Kartli, Kakheti and Samtskhe-Javakehti regions with the ● It must be also underlined that there were compact settlement of ethnic minorities no trends revealed during pre-election was held in calm, fair and competitive period of voter bribing by the political environment despite the presence of subjects, except for few facts identified some electoral shortcomings as well as by the long-term observers. the events evolved around # 48 election precinct (village Kizilajlo) of # 36 Marneuli ● Comparably large scale pre-election ED which could not possibly affect the campaign was carried out by “Georgian final outcome of the elections. Dream – Democratic Georgia” and “United National Movement” as compared with ● Moreover, the vast majority of the other political subjects. observers of PMMG have been able to freely access the polling stations in order ● The analysis of facts obtained and electoral to observe each and every step of the trends identified within the monitoring election process and procedures during program shows that despite some progress an Election Day. Only one observer of the in the use of administrative resources, organization was not allowed to freely there are still some challenges that need observer the procedures regarding the to be addressed timely and effectively, opening of the polling station. In addition, as well as to develop medium and long- only one polling station was not ready for term comprehensive approaches. These the reception of the first voter by 8:00 out challenges include: failures to observe the of the electoral precincts covered by the requirements of the electoral legislation PMMG monitoring program. and taking timely and adequate measures to bring offenders to liability; agitations ● The voting process was conducted in a culm by civil servants working in the local self- environment. However, the observers government structures during the working revealed some electoral shortcomings hours for the benefit of a ruling party; mostly caused by an inadequate level abuse of the budget or human resources of professional qualification of some 4 ELECTIONS MONITORING PROGRAM FINAL REPORT

for the purpose of counting of bulletins, 3 other types of electoral shortcomings.

● PMMG has filed 27 complaints to the precinct elections commission of Marneuli #35 and #36, Gardabani #31, Gardabani- Tetritskaro #32, Sagarejo #23 and Ninotsminda- Akhalkalaki #46 electoral districts out of which 22 complaints were satisfied and 5 were not. members of the election administration in 14 complaints were filed to the district project targeted electoral districts as well elections commissions out of which 10 as generally underdeveloped political and complaints were satisfied including the electoral culture of the voters. request for the annulment of the bulletins ● In total, within the framework of the of # 48 electoral precinct of # 36 Marneuli monitoring program up to 50 incidents electoral district; 4 complaints were not have been reported by the PMMG short satisfied. term observers including: 2 incidents of agitation in the polling station, 4 incidents of illegal restriction of observer’s right, EELECTIONSLECTIONS DDAY:AY: 3300 OOCTOBERCTOBER 7 incidents of presence of unauthorized people present at the polling station, RRUNOFFUNOFF EELECTIONSLECTIONS: 1 incident of damage of the election ● 30 October, 2016 Runoff Elections in # materials, 1 incident of delayed opening of 23 Sagarejo, # 36 Marneuli, # 44 Adigeni- the polling station, 3 incidents of improper Akhaltsikhe and # 9 Isani electoral setting up of the polling station, 2 incidents districts with the compact settlement of of not conduction of the special procedures ethnic minorities were held in general in for the purpose of distribution of functions calm, fair and competitive environment. among the members of the precinct Mostly, this assertion applies to # 23 election commission, 1 incident of non- Sagarejo, # 44 Adigeni-Akhaltsikhe and # affirming of the ballot papers, 5 incidents of 9 Isani electoral districts falling within the breach of vote secrecy, 6 incidents of voting framework of PMMG observable areas. without checking / application of marking, 8 incidents of voting without presenting ● Hereby it has to be reiterated that the proper documentation, 1 incident of monitoring mission of the PMMG fully inappropriate sealing of the main ballot covered # 36 Marneuli ED in where box, 1 incident of opening of the polling the observers of the organization still station before the time as established revealed certain number of electoral by the law, 1 incident of attempt of take shortcomings. However, given the out of the special envelopes form the quantity of revealed electoral violations polling station, 1 incident of presence of as well as their character it can be argued unauthorized person during vote counting that such shortcomings could not affect process, 1 incident of not conduction of the the final outcome of the elections. special procedures necessary for selection of precinct elections commission members ● Particular attention deserves to be played 5 2016 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS to the fact according to which the quality out of which 3 complaints were satisfied of development of the summary protocol and 2 complaints were not. of precinct election commissions has been substantially improved for Runoff Elections as compared with the first round of elections. OOTHERTHER FINDINGS:FINDINGS:

● In total, 35 incidents have were revealed ● According to 73 constituencies and 3628 by the short term observers of the PMMG electoral precincts created across Georgia including 5 incidents of presence of for the parliamentary elections, 344 unauthorized people at the polling station, electoral precincts were created in 12 1 incident of inappropriate documentation district election commissions with high of the electoral process, 1 incident of density of voters belonging to ethnic agitation, 5 incidents of breach of ballot minorities. In particular, a) 207 Georgian- secrecy, 1 incident of voting without Azerbaijani electoral precincts; b) 133 presenting proper documentation, 1 Georgian-Armenian electoral precincts incident of threat/pressure on observers, and c) 4 Georgian-Azerbaijani-Armenian 1 incident of repeated voting, 1 incident electoral precincts. of illegal restriction of observer’s rights, 3 ● The process of setting up the election incidents of inappropriate setting up of the administration was open and transparent. polling station, 2 incidents of voting without application/checking of marking, 1 incident ● Among all district election commissions falling within the geographical scope of the PMMG monitoring programme, persons belonging to ethnic minority were represented in 4 district election commissions only (Tsalka, Akhaltsikhe, Akhalkalaki and Ninotsminda).

● The total number of elected/appointed members of the district election commissions for the 2016 parliamentary elections in Georgia reached 47 242. This number includes total of 2719 PEC members belonging to ethnic minorities (Azerbaijanis of pre-made signatures in the voters’ list, 1 – 1349, Armenians – 1339, Ossetians – 12, incident of non-confirming of ballots with Russians – 11, Avarians – 7, Ukrainians – 1). the stamp, 1 incident of illegal restriction of rights of those people having the authority ● The performance of the CEC during the to be present at the polling station, 1 parliamentary elections of 2016 might incident of violation of vote counting be considered as positive in terms of procedures and 10 incidents of presence of organization and administration. The different types of electoral shortcomings. PMMG assessed the CEC work as open and transparent. The CEC organized ● PMMG has filed 11 complaints to different meetings with political parties, the precinct elections commission of non-governmental and international Marneuli #36 electoral district out of organizations, which stimulated which 7 complaints were satisfied and partnership-based relations. 4 were not. 5 complaints were filed to Marneuli district elections commission ● The CEC implemented a number of

6 ELECTIONS MONITORING PROGRAM FINAL REPORT

activities to ensure inclusive electoral “Paata Burchuladze – State for People” environment for ethnic minorities, (11 candidates),“Georgian Dream – including informing ethnic minority Democratic Georgia” (10 candidates), voters, electoral capacity building of while the lowest number of ethnic Armenian and Azerbaijanian speaking minority representatives was found in members of the PECs, ensuring news the list submitted by the “Usupashvili - coverage for ethnic minorities about vote Republicans” (4 candidates). casting procedures, financing civic and educational projects related to ethnic ● Only three electoral subjects had minority voters. candidates belonging to ethnic minorities among the first 10 positions in their ● The following election subjects registered lists, namely the Electoral bloc “United and participated in the elections through National Movement” (2nd place), “Tamaz party list in the three regions (Kvemo Kartli, Mechiauri – United Georgia” (9th place) Kakheti and Samtskhe-Javakheti) subject and “Our Georgia” (Badri Patarkatsishvili to the PMMG monitoring programme: #1 electoral headquarters) (4th place). Bloc “Paata Burchuladze – State for the People”, #3 “Nino Burjanadze – Democratic ● The second row of 10 positions included: Movement”, #4 “Jondi Bagaturia – Electoral bloc “Nino Burjanadze – Georgian Troupe”, #5 Electoral Bloc “United Democratic Movement” (19th place), National Movement”, #6 “Usupashvili – Bloc “Paata Burchuladze – State for the Republicans”, #7 “Tamaz Metchiauri People” (18th place), “Usupashvili - – United Georgia”, #8 Bloc “David Tarkhan- Republicans” (20th place), “Irakli Alasania Mouravi, Irma Inashvili - Alliance of – Free Democrats” (20th place), “Our Patriots of Georgia – United Opposition”, Georgia” (Badri Patarkatsishvili electoral #10 “Shalva Natelashvili – Georgian headquarters) (12th and 17th places) and Labour Party”, #25 “Kakha Dzagania, “Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia” Soso Shatberashvili, Paata Jibladze, Archil (19th and 20th places). Benidze – Left-wing Alliance”, #27 “Irakli Alasania – Free Democrats”, #30 “Our ● As regards the majoritarian candidates Georgia” (Election headquarters of Badri belonging to ethnic minorities registered Patarkatsishvili) and #41 “Georgian Dream for the parliamentary elections, there was – Democratic Georgia”. a considerable increase in the number of majoritarian candidates representing ethnic ● With regard to ethnic composition of minorities, namely there were 42 ethnic electoral lists submitted by the electoral minority majoritarian candidates registered subjects for the parliamentary elections of in 73 majoritarian election districts. 2016 in Georgia, as well as ethnic belonging of majoritarian candidates, the following ● 8 ethnic minority representatives were trend has been revealed: the largest elected to the Parliament proportionally number of ethnic minority representatives (2 members from “United National is found in the lists submitted by Electoral Movement” and 6 from “Georgian Dream bloc “United National Movement” – Democratic Georgia”), and 4 through (14 candidates), “Kakha Dzagania, single mandate majoritarian system, Soso Shatberashvili, Paata Jibladze, who were nominated by the “Georgian Archil Benidze – Leftist-wing Alliance” Dream – Democratic Georgia”. In total, (12 candidates), “Tamaz Mechiauri – 12 ethnic minority representatives were United Georgia” (12 candidates), “Our elected as members of the Georgian Georgia” (Badri Patarkatsishvili electoral Parliament, which clearly indicates the headquarters) (12 candidates), Bloc under representation of ethnic minorities in the country’s legislative body. 7 2016 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

3. GENERAL INFORMATION WITH REGARD TO 2016 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

3.1. Management of the elections and Accordingly, it may be concluded that election administration persons belonging to ethnic minorities were represented in 4 DECs only out of the election Administration of 8 October, 2016 districts falling within the range of the PMMG Parliamentary elections was carried out by monitoring programme. three steps election administration: CEC, 73 district election commissions and 3617 precinct The total number of elected/appointed election commissions including 11 polling members of the district election commissions stations established as an exception. For Runoff for the 2016 parliamentary elections in Georgia elections 2229 precinct election commissions reached 47 242. This number included total were created in 50 election districts. 9 polling of 2719 PEC members belonging to ethnic stations were made functional as an exception. minorities (Azerbaijanis – 1349, Armenians – 1339, Ossetians – 12, Russians – 11, Avarians Out of 3628 election precincts in 73 election – 7, Ukrainians – 1). districts, 344 elections precincts were created in the regions densely populated with The performance of the CEC during the ethnic minorities for the October 8, 2016 parliamentary elections of 2016 might be Parliamentary Elections. In particular: considered as positive in terms of organization and administration. The PMMG assessed the • Georgian-Azerbaijani -207 PECs CEC work as open and transparent. • Georgian- Armenian- 133 PECs The CEC organized different meetings with • Georgian- Armenian- Azerbaijani – 4 PECs political parties, non-governmental and According to PMMG long term observers, the international organizations, which stimulated process of staffing the election administration partnership-based relations. was carried out in open and transparent manner. The Strategic Plan of the Election The composition of ethnic minorities in Administration of Georgia for 2015- district election commissions falling within 2019 defines ensuring inclusive electoral the frames of PMMG observation program environment as one of the priorities, which was as follows: also includes ensuring accessible electoral # of elec on Quan ty Quan ty environment for ethnic minority voters. district and the of people of name belonging women Election Administration of Georgia offered to ethnic a number of electoral services to ethnic minority minority voters during the parliamentary N11 Sagarejo 0 8 N 21 Gardabani 0 8 elections of 8 October 2016, which are N22 Marneuli 0 4 described in detail below. N23 Bolnisi 0 5 N24 Dmanisi 0 8 N25 Tsalka 1 6 N26 Tetritskaro 0 11 N36 Borjomi 0 9 3.1.1. Informational provision of N37 Akhaltsikhe 1 9 ethnic minority voters N38 Adigeni 0 9 N39 Aspindza 0 6 The CEC has developed image/informational N40 Akhalkalaki 8 7 N41 Ninotsminda 9 6 video clips in Armenian and Azerbaijanian

8 ELECTIONS MONITORING PROGRAM FINAL REPORT languages which were disseminated through As was underlined above, for 2016 Public Broadcaster as well as regional TV Parliamentary elections, 47 242 people were Companies. elected/appointed in the precinct elections commissions throughout the country. Ethnic minority voters were offered the opportunity to obtain electoral information in It has to be underlined that the members of Armenian and Azerbaijanian languages from precinct election commissions with ethnic the hotline as well as informational centre Armenian and Azerbaijanian background established at CEC. have attended intensive capacity building raining program which was implemented in CEC placed the information on its website (in four phases: the banner “voters”) accessible in Armenian and Azerbaijanian languages containing the The first phase of the training program for the information about the services available for members of the precinct election commission the Elections Day as well as voters’ list data was entirely devoted to the procedures for search system (voters.cec.gov.ge). the selection of the leadership of the precinct election commission. The second phase was Moreover, CEC published the information delivered for all 13 members of the precinct about the services available for ethnic election commission and devoted to teaching minority voters as well as voting day electoral the competences/functional mandate of procedures in Armenian language newspaper the precinct election commission before the “Vrastan” and Azerbaijanian language Elections Day as well as the procedures to newspaper “Gurjistan”. be conducted on the Elections Day. The third phase was especially devoted to teaching It has to be noted that ethnic Armenian and the leadership (chairman, deputy and the Azerbaijanian voters residing in the regions secretary) of the precinct election commission with the compact settlement of ethnic their immediate duties and responsibilities. minorities were offered the opportunity The fourth phase of the program implied the to use the special voters’ list search service conduction of Elections Day simulation, on (voters.cec.gov.ge) through CEC website as which the members of the precinct election well as mobile phones / tablets (adapted to commission practiced the every steps to be Android system). realized on the Election Day. Therefore, through checking the data in the Moreover, for ethnic Armenian and system, ethnic minority voters were able to Azerbaijanian members of the precinct determine the election precinct in where they election commission, CEC translated and were registered. Moreover, they could identify published in Armenian and Azerbaijanian the exact location of the election precinct languages the following electoral on the map. In addition, CEC has initiated documentations: a) Guidelines/instructions new service according to which voters could for the PEC members; b) Memo/instruction check personal data through quick payment for the PEC Chairperson; c) Functions for the terminals (7000) functional across the country. PEC members responsible for regulating a flow of voters; d) Authority of the PEC Secretary during the E-day; e) Functions of the voters 3.1.2. Capacity building of ethnic registrar PEC member; f) Functions of the PEC Armenian and Azerbaijanian members who is supervisor of ballot boxes and special envelopes; g) Functions of the PEC members of precinct election member accompanying mobile ballot box; h) commissions Guideline for the PEC members for relation

9 2016 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS with Persons with Disabilities; j) Educational/ 3.2. The process of registration of Learning film “E-day Procedures” with the electoral subjects subtitles. The final deadline of the registration of majoritarian and proportional list candidates willing to run in the parliamentary elections 3.1.3. Informational provision of of 8 October 2016 and of making corrections ethnic minority voters regarding expired on 8 September. voting procedures In three regions (Kvemo Kartli, Kakheti and For ethnic Armenian and Azerbaijanina Samtskhe-Javakheti), where the PMMG voters, CEC translated (Georgian-Armenian undertook pre-election monitoring, the and Georgian-Azerbaijanian languages) and following electoral subjects were registered published the following electoral materials: and ran through party list:

• Ballot papers; • #1 Bloc “Paata Burchuladze – State for the • Posters reflecting polling station premises People” and poling procedures; • #3 “Nino Burjanadze – Democratic Movement” • Rules for marking the ballot papers; • #4 “Jondi Bagaturia – Georgian Troupe” • Unified voters’ lists, table version and • #5 Electoral bloc “United National version for publishing at the polling Movement” stations. • #6 “Usupashvili - Republicans” • #7 “Tamaz Mechiauri – United Georgia” • #8 Bloc “David Tarkhan-Mouravi, Irma 3.1.4. Civic and educational projects Inashvili – Alliance of Patriots of Georgia, for ethnic minority voters United Opposition” For the purpose of awareness rising of voters • #10 “Shalva Natelashvili – Labour Party of as well as promotion of their civic engagement, Georgia” the Electoral System Development, Reforms • #25 “Kakha Dzagania, Soso Shatberashvili, and Training Centre at the CEC provides Paata Jibladze, Archil Benidze – Left-wing grants since 2010 to local civil societal Alliance” organizations through the announcement of • #27 “Irakli Alasania – Free Democrats” open competitions. • #30 “Our Georgia” (Badri Patarkatsishvili electoral headquarters) For 2016 Parliamentary elections, one of the main directions of the grant competitions • #41 “Georgian Dream – Democratic was the promotion of civic, political and Georgia” electoral engagement of ethnic minority voters. Within the frameworks of grant competitions the Centre financed 8 projects, 3.3. The ethnic composition of which entirely covered the regions with the the electoral lists submitted by compact settlement of ethnic minorities. the political subjects for 2016 The total amount of the grants amounted to parliamentary elections of Georgia 227,167 GEL. as well as ethnic affiliation of majoritarian candidates

10 ELECTIONS MONITORING PROGRAM FINAL REPORT

In the run-up to the parliamentary elections Georgia”: the list included 6 candidates of Georgia on 8 October 2016, the electoral belonging to ethnic minorities in the subjects had submitted the party lists to the following order - 61, 95, 138, 140, 148, 153; CEC. 9. “Kakha Dzagania, Soso Shatberashvili, Paata The number and ranking of ethnic minority Jibladze, Archil Benidze – Leftists Alliance”: candidates in the party lists were as follows: the list included 12 candidates belonging to ethnic minorities in the following order 1. Bloc “Paata Burchuladze – State for People”: - 45, 61, 74, 75, 83, 94, 98, 104, 106, 110, the list included 11 candidates belonging 112, 120; to ethnic minorities in the following order - 18, 53, 55, 59, 66, 78, 101, 116, 137, 140, 10. “Irakli Alasania – Free Democrats”: the list 162; included 5 candidates belonging to ethnic minorities in the following order - 20, 21, 2. Electoral bloc “Nino Burjanadze – 105, 132, 181; Democratic Movement”: the list included 6 candidates belonging to ethnic minorities 11. “Our Georgia” (Badri Patarkatsishvili in the following order - 19, 55, 137, 138, electoral headquarters): the list included 12 141, 165; candidates belonging to ethnic minorities in the following order - 4, 12, 17, 24, 25, 3. “Jondi Bagaturia – Georgian Group”: the list 28, 39, 48, 62, 92; included 4 candidates belonging to ethnic minorities in the following order - 43, 78, 12. “Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia”: 79, 125; the list included 10 candidates belonging to ethnic minorities in the following order - 4. Electoral bloc “United National Movement”: 19, 20, 22, 23, 26, 30, 68, 85, 89, 99. the list included 14 candidates belonging to ethnic minorities in the following order - 2, Important to note that of all electoral lists 26, 31, 41, 50, 94, 96, 97, 129, 144, 149, submitted by the electoral subjects in the 151, 162, 173; run-up to the parliamentary elections of Georgia held on 8 October 2016, the lists 5. “Usupashvili - Republicans”: the list submitted by the following parties had included 4 candidates belonging to ethnic the largest number of ethnic minority minorities in the list in the following order representatives, namely: Electoral bloc - 20, 28, 44, 99; “United National Movement” (14 candidates), “Kakha Dzagania, Soso Shatberashvili, Paata 6. “Tamaz Mechiauri – United Georgia”: the Jibladze, Archil Benidze – Leftists Alliance” list included 12 candidates belonging to (12 candidates), “Tamaz Mechiauri – United ethnic minorities in the following order - 9, Georgia” (12 candidates),“Our Georgia” (Badri 43, 63, 68, 84, 85, 89, 101, 104, 110, 116, Patarkatsishvili electoral headquarters) (12 136; candidates), Bloc “Paata Burchuladze – State 7. Bloc “David Tarkhan-Mouravi, Irma for People” (11 candidates),“Georgian Dream Inashvili – Alliance of Patriots of Georgia, – Democratic Georgia” (10 candidates). United Opposition”: the list included 8 While the list submitted by the “Usupashvili candidates belonging to ethnic minorities - Republicans” had the lowest number in the following order -14, 36, 37, 43, 83, of the ethnic minority representatives (4 84, 94, 140; candidates).

8. “Shalva Natelashvili – Labour Party of It is interesting also that only three electoral subjects had candidates belonging to ethnic 11 2016 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS minorities among the first 10 positions in the parliamentary elections of 8 October 2016 their lists, namely the Electoral bloc “United in Georgia, there was a considerable increase National Movement” (2nd place), “Tamaz in the number of majoritarian candidates Mechiauri – United Georgia” (9th place) and representing ethnic minorities, namely “Our Georgia” (Badri Patarkatsishvili electoral there were 42 ethnic minority majoritarian headquarters) (4th place). candidates registered in 73 majoritarian election districts. The second row of 10 positions included: Electoral bloc “Nino Burjanadze – Democratic Movement” (19th place), Bloc “Paata Burchuladze – State for the People” (18th 3.4. The ethnic composition of the place), “Usupashvili - Republicans” (20th elected members of the Parliament place), “Irakli Alasania – Free Democrats” (20th place), “Our Georgia” (Badri Ethnic composition of the members of the Patarkatsishvili electoral headquarters) (12th parliament of Georgia elected through party and 17th places) and “Georgian Dream – lists is as follows: Democratic Georgia” (19th and 20th places) • “United National Movement”: 2 In addition, it must be noted that there was a representatives of ethnic minorities; 25 gap in the order of ethnic minority candidates representatives of Georgian origin (in total, at the beginning and the end of the lists 27 members); submitted for the parliamentary elections of 2016 by the two largest political subjects in • “Alliance of Patriots”: no ethnic minority the Georgian Parliament - “Georgian Dream representatives; 6 representatives of – Democratic Georgia” and “United National Georgian origin (in total, 6 members); Movement”. • “Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia”: Namely, the “Georgian Dream – Democratic 6 representatives of ethnic minorities; 38 Georgia” had positioned the ethnic minority representatives of Georgian origin (in total, representatives at the top of its electoral list, 44 members). who were grouped at 19th, 20th, 22nd, 23rd, Ethnic composition of the members of the 26th and 30th positions; while in the case of parliament of Georgia elected through single- the “United National Movement”, the ethnic mandate majoritarian system is as follows: minority candidates being at the top of its list, occupied 26th and 31st positions. • “United National Movement”: no ethnic minority representatives; Taking into account all the above, it may be concluded that the political subjects • “Alliance of Patriots”: no ethnic minority made efforts to include ethnic minority representatives; representatives in their electoral lists. Despite this, if we look at the order of positions, as • “Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia”: 4 well as the chances of the political subjects representatives of ethnic minorities. to succeed (in accordance with existing public polls), we could suggest that ethnic minorities Accordingly, 8 ethnic minority representatives would have been represented modestly in the were elected to the Parliament of Georgia future composition of the legislative body. proportionally and 4 – through single mandate majoritarian system. In total, 12 As regards the majoritarian candidates ethnic minority representatives were elected belonging to ethnic minorities registered for as members of the Parliament of Georgia.

12 ELECTIONS MONITORING PROGRAM FINAL REPORT

4. PREELECTION PERIOD

4.1. Methodology and methodology. Therefore, pre-elec on monitoring was carried out based on the For 2016 parliamentary elec ons PMMG previously developed methodology for long- has started the realiza on of pre-elec on term observers. monitoring on 15 July, 2016. Long-term observers of the PMMG registered The target area of pre-elec on monitoring incidents of alleged use of administra ve as shown below covered the following resources for elec on purposes. Apart from cons tuencies with high density of ethnic this, the organiza on’s observers a ended minority popula on: Ninotsminda- poli cal campaigns and public events, as well Akhalkalaki #46, Adigeni-Akhaltsikhe #44, as monitored the adver sing campaigns of Borjomi-Aspindza-Akhalkalaki #45 (Samtskhe- the poli cal subjects. Javakhe region), Marneuli #35 and #36, Bolnisi-Dmanisi-Tsalka #34, Gardabani #31, All facts iden fi ed by the long-term observers Gardabani-Tetritskaro #32 (Kvemo Kartli during the monitoring period were subject to rgion) and Sagarejo #23 (Kakhe region) further analysis and verifi ca on. Elec on Districts.

The monitoring programme was implemented Hereby it has to be noted that the incidents with the help of 11 long-term observers, who revealed and reported by the long term constantly monitored the exis ng electoral observers are generally divided and condi ons and trends including the abuse consequently assigned into two broad of administra ve resources in the above categories of cases including alleged use of men oned Elec on Districts. They also administra ve resources (alleged cases) and monitored campaign fi nance of the poli cal abuse of administra ve resources (cases). subjects. The alleged cases are the incidents with the highest probability of occurrence; however Before the conduc on of pre-elec on they cannot be verifi ed due to diff erent monitoring ac vi es long-term observers reasons including the lack of willingness of the a ended the specially designed capacity individuals to disclose personal informa on building training program on monitoring skills or the sources. As for the cases all of them are 13 2016 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS verifi ed. target areas, which clearly showed a progress.

Long-term observers have covered the It must be also men oned that the electoral following direc ons while conduc ng the environment for the 2016 parliamentary pre-elec on monitoring: elec ons in project targeted elec on districts was characterised with less legal gravity  Ac vi es of elec on administra on, of revealed electoral viola ons and lower proceedings of forming and staffi ng of the frequency of viola ons. elec on administra on, the process of checking the voters’ list; During pre-elec on period, the long-term observers of the PMMG revealed: a) 2  The ac vi es of local administra ve organs incidents of physical harassment; b) 1 incident during pre-elec on period; of alleged interference in the conduc on of pre-elec on campaign/ac vi es; c) 1 incident  Informa on about the poli cal par es and of voter bribing; d) 15 incidents of alleged majoritarian candidates; use of enforcement administra ve resources; e) 2 incidents of abuse of enforcement  Usage of administra ve resources; administra ve resources; f)1 incident of  Pre-elec on poli cal campaign and media; alleged use of fi nancial administra ve resources; g) 12 incidents of abuse of  The incidents of viola on of the law and ins tu onal administra ve resources; h) pressure. 2 incidents of alleged use of ins tu onal administra ve resources.

A sugges ve tendency was revealed in 4.2. Main fi ndings the course of the monitoring programme manifes ng in increase of the local As compared with the parliamentary self-government budgets of Sagarejo, elec ons of 2012, the electoral environment Ninotsminda, Adigeni, Akhalkalaki, for the 2016 parliamentary elec ons was Akhaltsikhe, Gardabani, Marneuli, Bolnisi and characterised with higher level of freedom Dmanisi municipali es in 2016 as compared in the cons tuencies with high density of to the previous 2015. ethnic minority popula on, namely in the Ninotsminda-Akhalkalaki #46, Adigeni- However, taken into account 2015 infl a on Akhaltsikhe #44, Borjomi-Aspindza- rate as counted by the World Bank then Akhalkalaki #45 (Samtskhe-Javakhe region), it appears that the budget of Sagarejo Marneuli #35 and #36, Bolnisi-Dmanisi-Tsalka municipality actually decreased by 4 % in 2016 #34, Gardabani #31, Gardabani-Tetritskaro and only in Akhalkalaki, Marneuli, Bolnisi and #32 (Kvemo Kartli rgion) and Sagarejo #23 Dmansi was the real increase more than 5%. (Kakhe region) Elec on Districts. Hereby it has to be noted that the highest This created more possibili es for larger real change has been iden fi ed in case of number of poli cal subjects to run electoral Ahkalkalaki municipality with 44 % increase campaigns in compara vely free, fair and of 2016 budget as compared with the compe ve environment. previous year. In addi on, it can be argued that the budgets of Adigeni, Akhaltsikhe and It is also noteworthy that unlike parliamentary Ninotsminda municipali es (at 5 %, 5 % and 4 elec ons of 2012, the party-propaganda % respec vely, taking into account infl a on) content was less present in the public events have not been considerably increased. including the presenta on of municipal programs to the local communi es, launch With regard to fi nancing of infrastructural of infrastructural ini a ves, celebra on of projects the analysis of the local budgets of anniversaries etc. organised in the project Sagarejo, Ninotsminda, Adigeni, Akhalkalaki, Akhaltsikhe, Gardabani, Marneuli, Bolnisi 14 ELECTIONS MONITORING PROGRAM FINAL REPORT and Dmanisi municipali es have revealed the the working hours for the benefi t of a following tendencies: the increase (taking rulling party; into account the infl a on) of budgetary disbursement on infrastructural projects has  abuse of the budget or human resources been detected in all municipali es with the by the local self-government structures for comparably higher increase rate revealed the party purposes; in Akhaltsikhe (75 %) and Akhalkalaki (67 %) municipali es. The minor increase on  abuse of the enforcement administra ve infrastructural projects has been revealed in resources for the party purposes; cases of Marneuli (1 %) and Ninotsminda (2 %).  voter bribing by the electoral subjects in the pre-elec on period; As far as the social protec on programs are concerned the budgetary analysis has  giving presents to the popula on by the shown that municipal spending (taken into civil servants during a public event; account infl a on) has in fact decreased in  increasing the fi nancing of the social care cases of Sagarejo (-19 %), Marneuli (- 19 %) or big infrastructure projects by the local and Dmanisi ( -3 %) municipali es with the government in the pre-elec on period. posi ve trend of increase in Ninotsminda, Adigeni, Akhalkalaki, Akhaltsikhe, Gardabani and Bolnisi municipali es. Hereby it has to be noted that the highest budgetary spending on 4.3. Pre-elec on campaign of the social protec on programs has been revealed poli cal subjects in Akhalkalaki municipality (81 %). During pre-elec on period a number of It is noteworthy to note that pre-elec on poli cal subjects ran pre-elec on campaigns, campaigns run by the poli cal par es in the which mainly included holding mee ngs programme target areas were not sizable with the local voters, presen ng majoritarian in terms of raising funds. It must be also candidates and organizing briefi ngs for the underlined that there were no trends revealed media. during pre-elec on period of voter bribing by the poli cal subjects, except for few facts Poli cal subjects presented own poli cal iden fi ed by the long-term observers. views to the voters. Moreover, poli cal subjects elaborated about the eventual steps The analysis of facts collected and electoral to be taken towards the development and trends iden fi ed within the monitoring realiza on of diff erent policy op ons in public programme shows that despite some administra on domain. progress in the use of administra ve resources, there are s ll some challenges that The pre-elec on mee ngs held by the need to be addressed mely and eff ec vely, “Georgian Dream – Democra c Georgia” and as well as to develop medium- and long-term the “United Na onal Movement” stood out comprehensive approaches. as considerably large-scale events compared to others. Apart from this, mee ngs with the local voters were held by the Bloc “David These challenges include: Tarkhan-Mouravi, Irma Inashvili – Alliance of Patriots of Georgia – United Opposi on”, the  failures to observe the requirements of the Elec on Bloc “Nino Burjanadze – Democra c electoral legisla on and taking mely and Movement”, the Bloc “Paata Burchuladze – adequate measures to bring off enders to State for the People”, “Irakli Alasania – Free liability; Democrats” and the “Republican Party”.

 agita ons by civil servants working in the It is noteworthy that the pre-elec on local self-government structures during campaigns run by the aforemen oned 15 2016 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS political subjects were not large-scale in People” and “New Georgia”. The incident terms of spending funds. Mainly, they has commenced with verbal harassment used party symbols such as flags; they also which eventually turned into the physical distributed some T-shirts and caps with clash. The reason provoking the incident the identifications of a political subject. As was different political views of the incident regards the “Georgian Dream – Democratic participants. Georgia” and the Election Bloc “United National Movement”, unlike other political subjects, they used loudspeakers during their pre-election campaign meetings, #46 Ninotsminda – Akhalkalaki Election flags and banners demonstrating the party District: symbols and distributed T-shirts, caps, booklets and leaflets. On 15August, according to the information as obtained from the representatives of There were no large events held “Paata Burchuladze-the State for People” involving considerable funds, except for the physical clash occurred between the a marathon organized by the “Georgian attorney of the village Sulda and the Dream – Democratic Georgia” in representative of the underlined political Tazakendi (Gardabani municipality) with subject. The incident was originated by a participation of a convoy of 18 vehicles. the fact according to which the village Marathon proceeded until the village attorney has removed the posters of “Paata Vakhtangisi. In total, 35 kilometres were Burchuladze-the State for People” and covered. Marathon of this kind was held was not allowing the political subject’s twice. representative to place them again. Followed by the incident, the village As for using the billboards and banners, attorney applied to the court. the data on number and measures of the advertising visuals exposed by the political subjects shows that the biggest financial resources were invested in political Alleged interference in the conduction of advertising by three political subjects, pre-election campaign/activities namely the “Georgian Dream – Democratic #46 Ninotsminda – Akhalkalaki Election Georgia”, the “United National Movement” District: and the Bloc “David Tarkhan-Mouravi, Irma Inashvili – Alliance of Patriots of Georgia – On 18 August, according to the information United Opposition”. as obtained from the local office of “Paata Burchuladze-the State for People”, the representatives of the ruling party as well as their followers did not allow activists of 4.4. Incidents and tendencies “Paata Burchuladze-the State for People” to revealed during Pre-election conduct organized movement with transport monitoring process with the usage of party flags. Local office of “Paata Burchuladze-the State for People” Physical harassment was talking about the threat issued from the ruling party according to which activists #35 Marneuli Election District: of “Paata Burchuladze-the State for People” would face problems. The occurrence of According to the long-term observer of the the incident was denied by the office of the PMMG, the incident of physical harassment/ “Georgian Dream”. According to the office clash was reported which took place in of “Paata Burchuladze-the State for People” Marneuli among the representatives of no such incident has occurred eventually. “United National Movement”, “Republican Party”, “Paata Burchuladze-the State for

16 ELECTIONS MONITORING PROGRAM FINAL REPORT

Voter bribing However, taken into account 2015 inflation rate as counted by the World Bank 1then It must be noted that during pre-election it appears that the budget of Sagarejo period there was not identified a tendency municipality actually decreased by 4 % in of voter bribing by the political subjects 2016 and only in Akhalkalaki, Marneuli, except for two facts, which was spotted by Bolnisi and Dmansi was the real increase the long-term observers of the PMMG. more than 5%. Hereby it has to be noted that the highest real change has been identified In particular, according to the long-term in case of Ahkalkalaki municipality with 44 observer of the PMMG, on 22 August % increase of 2016 budget as compared after opening the election headquarters of with the previous year. In addition, it can “Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia” be argued that the budgets of Adigeni, at the #35 Marneuli Election District a Akhaltsikhe and Ninotsminda municipalities Chaikhana (tea house) was opened just (at 5 %, 5 % and 4 % respectively, taking beside the headquarters and the office of into account inflation) have not been the majoritarian candidate of “Georgian considerably increased. Dream – Democratic Georgia”. It offered free tea to the people. It is not known With regard to financing of infrastructural whether they had licence issued by the projects the analysis of the local budgets of self-government structure. According to Sagarejo, Ninotsminda, Adigeni, Akhalkalaki, the population, they are offered tea by Akhaltsikhe, Gardabani, Marneuli, Bolnisi T. Naverian, a majoritarian candidate of and Dmanisi municipalities have revealed “Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia”. the following tendencies: the increase (taking into account the inflation) of In Akhalkalaki at the #46 Ninotsminda- budgetary disbursement on infrastructural Akhalkalaki Election District, supporters projects has been detected in all of Enzel Mkoian, a majoritarian candidate municipalities with the comparably higher of the “Georgian Dream – Democratic increase rate revealed in Akhaltsikhe (75 %) Georgia” distributed fuel vouchers of 20 and Akhalkalaki (67 %) municipalities. The lari to the local taxi drivers in exchange for minor increase on infrastructural projects their support to the majoritarian candidate has been revealed in cases of Marneuli (1 and the party. This fact is confirmed by one %) and Ninotsminda (2 %). of the taxi drivers, who rejected the offer to take the voucher (there is a recording with As far as the social protection programs the driver proving the fact). are concerned the budgetary analysis has shown that municipal spending (taken into account inflation) has in fact decreased in cases of Sagarejo (-19 %), Marneuli (- 19 %) Alleged use of financial administrative and Dmanisi ( -3 %) municipalities with the resources positive trend of increase in Ninotsminda, PMMG requested financial materials Adigeni, Akhalkalaki, Akhaltsikhe, (local budget income and expenses both Gardabani and Bolnisi municipalities. planned and actual figures) from project Hereby it has to be noted that the highest targeted municipalities. An analysis of the budgetary spending on social protection budgetary figures revealed a suggestive programs has been revealed in Akhalkalaki tendency manifesting in increase of the municipality (81 %). local self-government budgets of Sagarejo, Ninotsminda, Adigeni, Akhalkalaki, Akhaltsikhe, Gardabani, Marneuli, Bolnisi and Dmanisi municipalities in 2016 as compared to the previous 2015. 1 www.worldbank.org/en/country/georgia

17 2016 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS           3%      3 9 Ͳ 287 290 299 5,545 8,584 5,767 3,039 2,817     Ͳ 4,802,000 4,994,080 3,605,820 8,599,900 3,797,900      Akhaltsikhe            445 360 622 915 737      the  4 6 4 1 1           of  5,004 4,245      18,964 23,968 19,722 171,584 310,500 3,472,900 3,611,816 3,783,400                905 877 221 972 656                7 9 8 1 1 19% 22% 51%      Ͳ 187 235 1,222 1,036 1,271      307,852 381,200 396,448 323,100 704,300     Ͳ 400 740 500 900 160      67 57           241 308 251   685 129      13,881 14,566 14,436 500 000 500 000 500 7,576,800 7,879,872 5,074,928 5,378,000      12,954,800           95 950 203 108 253    3 4 4           p://www.worldbank.org/en/country/georgia      2,916      24,290 28,178 25,262 38,000 600 000 904 400 096 5,726,252 6,243,600      12,933,700 19,177,300 13,451,048           Marneuli Bolnisi see h on rate, 682 260 989 577 270    7 8 7   a      fl      19% 44% 67% 81% 5% 75% Ͳ      19% 4% 2% 24% 21% 39% Ͳ 82,252 90,200 72,776 200 025 568 175 543 198,700 288,900 206,648      740,600 843,000 770,224 102,400    709 602 737 135 107 Ͳ Ͳ                690 473 795 783     487,332 677,60 4,389,200 5,052,100 4,564,768 6,662,900 4,579,484 9,980,400 4,978,700  449 923 255 473 14,959,100 10,379,616     5 6 1 1           667  5                5% 11% 0% 46% 10% 12% 1%      4% 23% Ͳ 500 500 000 560 560      40,984 310,500 171,584 488,200 23 3,472,900 3,783,400 3,611,816 476 500 775 275         11,180,400 11,668,600 11,627,616 Budget Infrastructure Social Budget Infrastructure Social Budget Infrastructure Adigeni Akhalkalaki Gamgeoba 7 7 7       Ͳ Gardabani Budget Infrastructure Social Budget Infrastructure Social Budget Infrastructure Budget Infrastructure Social Budget Infrastructure Social Budget Infrastructure Social Sagarejo Ninotsminda Dmanisi %  inflation %  %   inflation inflation   with  change change   with with   change change   change change   difference 2015 real real 2015 2016 difference 2015 real real difference 2015 real real 2015 2016 All % changes are “real”, in other words they take into account the 2015 in account into take they in other words “real”, are All % changes 2015 2016

18 ELECTIONS MONITORING PROGRAM FINAL REPORT

Relativechanges Start Budget 2015 2016 Sagarejo 0 Ͳ4% Ninotsminda 0 4% Gardabani 0 0% Adigeni 0 5% Akhalkalaki 0 44% GamgeobaoftheAkhaltsikhe 0 5% Marneuli 0 12% Bolnisi 0 22% Dmanisi 0 21%

19 2016 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

Relativechanges Start Budget Infrastructure 2015 2016 Sagarejo 0 23% Ninotsminda 0 2% Gardabani 0 46% Adigeni 0 11% Akhalkalaki 0 67% GamgeobaoftheAkhaltsikhe 0 75% Marneuli 0 1% Bolnisi 0 51% Dmanisi 0 39%

20 ELECTIONS MONITORING PROGRAM FINAL REPORT

Relativechanges Start Budget Social 2015 2016 Sagarejo 0 Ͳ19% Ninotsminda 0 24% Gardabani 0 10% Adigeni 0 41% Akhalkalaki 0 81% GamgeobaoftheAkhaltsikhe 0 33% Marneuli 0 Ͳ19% Bolnisi 0 34% Dmanisi 0 Ͳ3%

21 2016 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS Alleged use of the fi nancial administra ve On 16 September 16 Enzel Mkoian, resources for elec on purposes from the side majoritarian candidate of the “Georgian of local authori es Dream – Democra c Georgia” at the #46 Akhalkalaki-Ninotsminda majoritarian The monitoring program has revealed one Elec on District held mee ngs with the incident of alleged use of the fi nancial local voters in the villages of the Akhalkalaki administra ve resources for elec on purposes municipality: Chumdura (at 14:10-14:40), in #35 Marneuli Elec on District with the Murjakhe (at 15:00-15:35) and Horenia direct engagement of local authori es in (at 16:00-16:45). Head of the Ninotsminda the incident. Notably, on 12 September Municipal Government (Gamgeoba) offi ce 2016 during the Kurban Bayrami celebra on and its staff members, school teachers, as representa ves of the local governance of the well as representa ves of the Akhalkalaki self- Marneuli municipality (including Gamgebeli, government bodies a ended the mee ngs. Head of Sakrebulo and other civil servants) distributed meat to the local popula on in the town and surrounding villages free of charge. As it was reported, 50 families received meat On 23 September Enzel Mkoian, majoritarian in total (2-3 kilograms per family). It must be candidate of the “Georgian Dream – noted that a majoritarian candidate of the Democra c Georgia” at the #46 Ninotsminda- ruling party or other party representa ves Akhalkalaki majoritarian Elec on District held did not take part in this ac on. mee ngs with the local voters in the villages of the Akhalkalaki municipality: Gomani and Balgho. The mee ngs were held during the working hours with the par cipa on of Head Abuse of ins tu onal administra ve of the Ninotsminda Municipal Government resources for elec on purposes (Gamgeoba). Moreover, the event were a ended by the Gambeoba staff members, #46 Ninotsminda - Akhalkalaki ElecƟ on school teachers, as well as representa ves of District: the Akhalkalaki self-government bodies who are not allowed by the law to par cipate in According to the long-term observer of the such events during working hours. PMMG, on 22 August at noon a rally of the “Georgian Dream – Democra c Georgia” took place in Ninotsminda with the par cipa on of the Prime Minister, members of the local #44 Adigeni-Akhaltsikhe ElecƟ on District: administra on (Gamgeoba), head of the educa on resource-centre, directors and On 22 August, 2016, the “Georgian Dream – teachers of the public school. The rally was Democra c Georgia” held a rally in Adigeni held during the working hours. during the working hours. 3 representa ves of the Akhaltsikhe Mayor’s offi ce par cipated On 13 September Enzel Mkoian, majoritarian in the event, namely Giorgi Gvaramadze, Head candidate of the “Georgian Dream – of the Administra ve and Human Resource Democra c Georgia” at the #46 Akhalkalaki- Management Division; Zaza Geladze, Deputy Ninotsminda majoritarian Elec on District Mayor and Gela Dzamunashvili, Head of held mee ngs with the local voters in the Culture Division of the Mayor’s offi ce. In villages of the Akhalkalaki municipality: addi on, Mindia Jelia, Deputy Gamgebeli of Dadesha (at 11:40-12:25), Kartsakhi (at 12:40- Adigeni a ended the rally. It must be also 13:30), Bozali (at 13:45-14:15) and Sulda noted that none of the men oned persons (at 14:25-14:50). Head of the Ninotsminda were on leave – according to the requirements Municipal Government (Gamgeoba) offi ce as set out in the ar cles 45 and 49 of the and its staff members, school teachers, as Elec on Code of Georgia all public servants well as representa ves of the Akhalkalaki self- are to take a leave in order to par cipate in government bodies a ended the mee ngs. poli cal campaign.

22 ELECTIONS MONITORING PROGRAM FINAL REPORT

The long-term observer of the PMMG iden fi ed a fact of agita on on 22 August in the Akhaltsikhe municipality during the #46 Ninotsminda – Akhalkalaki ElecƟ on working hours. Namely, Nana Meskhi, District: a representa ve of the Public Rela ons Division of the Akhaltsikhe Mayor’s Offi ce, 22 August Prime-Minsiter of Georgia Giorgi Mary Gogolauri, a representa ve of the Kvirikashvili visited Akhalkalaki to present Legal Division of the Mayor’s Offi ce, Inga a majoritarian candidate. Based on the Diakonova, a representa ve of the Culture informa on collected by the PMMG observer, Division, Naira Samsonidze, a representa ve the school teachers were asked to a end the of the Supervision Division and Marika event organized by the “Georgian Dream – Parunashvili, Assistant to Mayor were sharing Democra c Georgia”. during the working hours public speeches by Giorgi Kopadze, a majoritarian candidate of the “Georgian Dream – Democra c Georgia” Alleged use of enforcement administra ve and photos of the rally organized by the resources for elec on purposes “Georgian Dream – Democra c Georgia”. #46 Ninotsminda - Akhalkalaki ElecƟ on District:

#36 Marneuli ElecƟ on District: According to the informa on collected by the On 23 September Tamaz Naveriani, long-term observer of the PMMG, on 7 August, majoritarian candidate of the “Georgian at the request of the management, teachers Dream – Democra c Georgia” at the #36 of the Nursery School and Public School were Marneuli Elec on District held mee ng (at at the rally organised by “Georgian Dream – 14:10-15:00) with the local voters in the village Democra c Georgia”. As they explained, they Kizil-ajlo, Marneuli municipality, to present were not subject to in mida on or threat. his elec on pla orm. School teachers and Although, during an informal conversa on representa ves of the school administra on, with the long-term observer, they referred to staff of the Marneuli Municipal Government possible risk of losing the job as a mo ve. (Gamgeoba) and members of the local According to Z. Chilingarashvili, a assembly (Sakrebulo), representa ves of the representa ve of the “United Na onal kindergarten administra on a ended the Movement”, on 2 August Gor Gomtsiani, a mee ng. policeman working in Ninotsminda Police offi ce was sacked because of his mother Lida Antanosiani being an ac vist of their party. At Alleged use of ins tu onal administra ve the Ninotsminda Police offi ce, where he had resources for elec on purposes worked, they explained that he fi led request to leave at his own wish. Gor Gomtsiani #35 Marneuli ElecƟ on District: himself avoided making any comment.

According to the long-term observer of the According to the verifi ed (by the local PMMG, the Marneuli College, which off ers residents) fi ndings as obtained by the paid courses, launched from September a PMMG observer, Enzel Mkoian, majoritarian 4-month professional re-training courses (in candidate of the “Georgian Dream – 3 specialisa ons) with the fi nancial support Democra c Georgia” at the #46 Akhalkalaki- of the Ministry of Educa on. It is noteworthy Ninotsminda majoritarian Elec on District, as that such a programme has never been well as Samvel Manukian, party list candidate implemented in non-elec on year and have been giving promises to the local nothing was known about it before the popula on of the Akhalkalaki municipality launch. that they would be given Georgian ci zenship. The people were collec ng the necessary 23 2016 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS documents for the dual ci zenship, while the local popula on to support “Georgian Enzel Mkoian and Samvel Manukian signed Dream – Democra c Georgia” and promised the le ers of recommenda on. instead that he would confi scate land from 6 “United Na onal Movement” ac vists and It is noteworthy that the local popula on give it to them. For this purpose, he brought applied to the local offi ce of the “Georgian people to the land plots lawfully owned Dream – Democra c Georgia” in search by the men oned ac vists and started its of resolving problems related to the dual “distribu on”. On this incident all 6 ac vists ci zenship. Those willing voluntarily paid of the “United Na onal Movement” applied the necessary amount at the public Registry to the prosecutor’s offi ce, which responded to start relevant procedures. The Civil on 12 September that the case was submi ed Registry promised to respond in the course to the police for further inves ga on. No of 3 months. Important to note that people progress has been reported yet on the case. truly believed that they would get the dual ci zenship based on the promises given by Important to note that accusa on against Enzel Mkoian and Samvel Manukian. the Council member Mamed Mamedov commi ng unlawful ac on has been confi rmed by the local popula on. However, local electoral offi ce of the “Georgian #35 and #36 Marneuli ElecƟ on Districts: Dream – Democra c Georgia” denied the occurrence of such a fact. According to I. Bairamov, Chair of the party “Burchuladze – State for People”, on 7 As stated by Azer Suleimanov, ac vists of the August the party ac vists (in the villages “United Na onal Movement” in the villages Shulaveri and Damia-Gjurarkh) were subject Sadakhlo, Kapanakhchi, Kurtljari and Kirikhlo to pressure and in mida on from the are subject to pressure and threat from the village a orney and members of the village school directors and village a orneys, who administra on (in mida on implied arrest threatened with fi ring their rela ves and on diff erent grounds); the village a orney family members from work, unless they made no comment. stop their ac vi es in the “United Na onal Movement”. The directors denied such a fact According to Polad Khalilov, appearing and village a orneys made no comment. on the elec on list of Elec on Bloc “Gogi Topadze – Industrialists, Our Homeland”, On 26 July Polad Khalilov, appearing on the on 16 August their ac vist (a female) was elec on list of Elec on Bloc “Gogi Topadze threatened with losing a job (she is a teacher – Industrialists, Our Homeland” informed in the village Kurtljar), unless she qui ed the the long-term observer of the PMMG that a party. Despite the fact that the name of this member of the staff at the local municipality female ac vist is known, we refrain from transport division forbade drivers of making her name public at her own request Marneuli-Tbilisi route-taxis accept orders from the party “Our Homeland”. The drivers According to A. Imamkuliev, a majorita an refused to cooperate with poli cal par es. candidate of the “United Na onal Movement”, on 31 August his ac vists On 1 September in the village Sarali, Marneuli and rela ves in the village Damia-Gjurarkh municipality, representa ve of the local were subjected to pressure and threat of administra on (Gamgeoba) Almaz Karajaev taking away their land, unless they qui ed brought a compulsory military conscrip on their job (agita ng for the “United Na onal no ce to 6 “United Na onal Movement” Movement”). The threat comes from the ac vists. According to the informa on Marneuli Council (Sakrebulo) member received, Almaz Karajaev suggested to the Mamed Mamedov. ac vists to serve in the military service instead of suppor ng the “United Na onal It is also noteworthy that according to Movement”. This fact was confi rmed by the Imamkuliev, Mamed Mamedov called on 24 ELECTIONS MONITORING PROGRAM FINAL REPORT ac vists as well as the majoritarian candidate asked to provide personal data of those of the “United Na onal Movement” A. 10 people to the school administra ons. Imamkuliev. Important to note that the management already made the teachers write le ers of In the village Mola-ogli, Marneuli voluntary resigna on. The fact is confi rmed municipality, the a orney and his fellowmen by the teachers, although they refrain from called on the local popula on to support naming themselves because of fear. “Georgian Dream – Democra c Georgia” and promised instead to solve all problems related to legalisa on-registra on of immovable property owned by them. Apart #23 Sagarejo ElecƟ on District: from this, the promise was given on re- establishing a children’s playground in the According to Kazamfar Mamedov, village, which the local popula on had been independent majoritarian candidate at the reques ng from the local as well as central #23 Sagarejo Elec on District, the village governments (Ministry of Economy and A orneys of the Iormughanlo community Sustainable Development). The occurrence have been telling the local popula on to of the incident is confi rmed by the local vote for the “Georgian Dream – Democra c residents. Georgia”, otherwise they would lose their pension. The fact is confi rmed by the local Accordingly, addressing the property residents. legalisa on-registra on issues and re- establishment of children’s playground Apart from this, the village a orneys of has become a lucra ve topic for the village the Iormughanlo community have been a orney to trade with the local residence. promising certain persons to revoke In other works, the a orney promises the proba on sentence and release from solu on of the underlined problems if the peniten ary ins tu on provided that they, or local residents vote for “Georgian Dream – their rela ves would vote for the “Georgian Democra c Georgia”. The occurrence of the Dream – Democra c Georgia”. The fact incident is confi rmed by all villagers. cannot be confi rmed due to unwillingness of the underlined persons to openly disclose In Marneuli, the long-term observer of the personal informa on. PMMG iden fi ed an alleged fact of nepo sm and collabora on with the local government, Also, according to independent majoritarian involving the owner of the Marneuli candidate Kazamfar Mamedov, his bank agricultural market, who summoned accounts have been frozen and his elec on entrepreneurs to tell them he would stop campaign ar fi cially hampered. As he coopera on with them and force them out explained, he was arrested in 2010-2012 of the market territory, unless they vote for and charged to pay a fi ne of GEL 14 000. the “Georgian Dream – Democra c Georgia” A er leaving the peniten ary ins tu on as and its majoritarian candidate. The fact a poli cal prisoner, on the basis of a verbal is confi rmed by the sellers, although they agreement he was told that he did not have refrain from naming themselves because of to pay the fi ne and that he would have no fear. problems in the future. As he noted, he has had no problems with regard to payment In the Marneuli municipality the management of the fi ne. However, just a er registering of the public schools and a orneys of the himself as an independent majoritarian villages Mola Oghli and Sadaxlo instructed candidate his bank account was frozen. the local school teachers to bring 10 persons The fact of freezing Kazamfar Mamedov’s at the Elec on Precincts, who would vote for bank account has been verifi ed. The reason the “Georgian Dream – Democra c Georgia” behind this fact was the outstanding fi ne to and its majoritarian candidate, otherwise be paid in the amount of GEL 14 000. they would be fi red. The teachers were

25 2016 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS Abuse of enforcement administra ve school administrator) to the rally against their resources for elec on purposes wish; they had to appear there because of the fear of losing their job. #46 Ninotsminda – Akhalkalaki ElecƟ on District: On 12 September Chief of Akhalkalaki Police Shalva Lomsadze (who at this me is dismissed According to the long-term observer of the from his job on the ground no related to this PMMG, on 7 August a big rally was organised case) tore down using his personal service by “Georgian Dream – Democra c Georgia” weapon a poster of the “United Na onal in Ninotsminda. They took supporters to Movement” placed on a car parked in front Akhaltsikhe to present their candidate, of the local offi ce of the “Georgian Dream – but there were school and nursery-school Democra c Georgia”. He also demanded the teachers who complained (to the observer) vehicle leave the territory immediately. This about being brought (by the order of the fact is confi rmed by witnesses.

26 ELECTIONS MONITORING PROGRAM FINAL REPORT

5. ELECTIONS DAY: 8 OCTOBER FIRST ROUND

5.1. The elec ons day monitoring the results. In addi on, the media was briefed program of the PMMG about the revealed electoral shortcomings and viola ons. PMMG conducted the Elec ons Day monitoring program for 2016 Parliamentary For the purpose of eff ec ve realiza on of Elec ons covering 8 elec on districts (ED) of Elec ons Day monitoring program PMMG Kvemo Kartli, Kakhe and Samtskhe-Javakeh mobilized call centre operators sta oned at regions with the compact se lement of ethnic its head offi ce. Call centre operators were minori es: # 46 Ninotsminda-Akhalkalaki ED, entering to the data base and processing the # 35 and # 36 Marneuli ED, # 33 Bolnisi ED, # electoral fi ndings as obtained from short term 34 Dmanisi-Tsalka-Bolnisi ED, # 31 Gardabani observers. Moreover, the hot line was being ED, # 32 Tetritskaro-Gardabani ED and # 23 func onal at the PMMG offi ce thus enabling Sagarejo ED. all the interested par es to report electoral fi ndings to the organiza on’s head offi ce. The Elec ons Day monitoring program was being implemented by 294 observers The Elec ons Day monitoring program was deployed by the PMMG including 227 sta c supported by the lawyers engaged into the observers, 59 mobile group observers, 6 program. district elec on commission observes and 2 central elec on commission observers. The monitoring program en rely covered # 35 and # 36 Marneuli elec on districts as well as # 46 5.2. Methodology of the Monitoring Akhalkalaki-Ninotsminda elec on district. program

On 8 October, during an en re Elec ons As already stated, on Elec on Day Day PMMG was dissemina ng informa on the monitoring programme covered 8 through the media regarding the proceedings cons tuencies with high density of ethnic taken place with regard to the opening and minority popula on in Kvemo Kartli, se ng up the poling sta on, vote cas ng, Samtskhe-Javakhe and Kakhe , namely: closure of the polling sta on and tabula on of #46 Ninotsminda-Akhalkalaki, #35 and #36

27 2016 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

Marneuli, #33 Bolnisi, #34 Dmanisi-Tsalka-  The quality of eff ec ve communica on Bolnisi, #31 Gardabani, #32 Tetritskaro- was with the observers; Gardabani and #23 Sagarejo Elec on Districts. The monitoring programme fully covered  The quality of eff ec ve and correct #35 and #36 Marneuli and #46 Ninotsminda- feedback received from the observers; Akhalkalaki Elec on Districts.  Verifi ca on of database on Elec on Day; Based on ini ally developed methodology, the PMMG monitoring program applied  The quality of call operators’ performance. the following methodological instrument: a) processing and analyzing informa on The simula on exercise of the Elec on Day collected from the elec on precincts selected was successful as the majority of observers for the monitoring programme; b) Impar al could cope with their tasks with high assessment of en re elec on process on the profi ciency. Elec on Day, namely opening of the polling On the Elec on Day call operators at the sta on, vo ng, closing the polling sta on, PMMG central offi ce call centre worked vote coun ng and drawing up the results; c) in an extraordinary regime. They received iden fying irregulari es and viola ons during informa on regularly from the observers opening the polling sta ons, vo ng and vote regarding all relevant facts, which could coun ng; d) verifying the offi cial results of aff ect the democra c conduct of elec ons. the Elec on Day. It is notable that on the Elec on Day the It must be noted that on 6 October the observers transmi ed informa on to the call PMMG conducted a full simula on exercise centre both according to the plan and on ad of the Elec on Day for the observers involved hoc basis. At the planned repor ng, observers in the monitoring program in order to check communicated monitoring results through the following circumstances: special applica ons and in pre-determined periods (5 calls) submi ed informa on to the

28 ELECTIONS MONITORING PROGRAM FINAL REPORT call centre, while ad hoc repor ng took place precincts falling in the range of the monitoring in case of extraordinary situa ons/viola ons program, where the PMMG had no ini ally were iden fi ed. sta oned observer. In addi on, if necessary, the mobile group provided support to the The received informa on was stored in a observers in their monitoring ac vi es. special database program, which, if need be, was checked by the operators. The verifi ed On 8 October the PMMG issued news informa on was then processed and analyzed intensively throughout the day about by the expert group. irregulari es and viola ons iden fi ed during opening of polling sta ons, vo ng process, It is noteworthy, that operators at the closing the polling sta ons and vote coun ng. organisa on’s call centre were classifi ed according to the regions, as well as diff erent On 8 October the PMMG made its fi ndings ethnic minority language profi ciency, which and iden fi ed trends within its monitoring allowed the observers to report in their programme public four mes through the na ve languages. Informa on about the “Media Centre” and provided respec ve incidents was submi ed to the lawyers, assessment on: a) opening and organisa on who, if necessary, would provide qualifi ed of the polling sta ons; b) vo ng process; c) consulta ons. A er consul ng with the closing the polling sta on; d) vote coun ng lawyers, observers undertook respec ve and drawing up the results. On 9 October ac ons against each viola on iden fi ed in the organisa on presented its preliminary the precinct or cons tuency falling under summary assessment of the Elec on day to their mandate. The lawyers entered verifi ed the public at the “Media Centre”. and processed informa on in the incident database, which included data not only on incidents but also on complaints made in the precinct and cons tuency. 5.3. Main fi ndings of PMMG Elec ons Day monitoring program Throughout the day organisa on’s mobile groups visited and monitored the elec on Given the facts and available evidence as

29 2016 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS obtained by the observers, PMMG concludes func ons among the members of the precinct that 8 October, 2016 Parliamentary Elec ons elec on commission, 1 incident of non-affi rming in 8 elec on districts (ED) of Kvemo Kartli, of the ballot papers, 5 incidents of breach of vote Kakhe and Samtskhe-Javakeh regions with secrecy, 6 incidents of vo ng without checking the compact se lement of ethnic minori es / applica on of marking, 8 incidents of vo ng was held in calm, fair and compe ve without presen ng proper documenta on, 1 environment despite the presence of some incident of inappropriate sealing of the main electoral shortcomings as well as the events ballot box, 1 incident of opening of the polling evolved around # 48 elec on precinct (village sta on before the me as established by the Kizilajlo) of # 36 Marneuli ED which could not law, 1 incident of a empt of take out of the possibly aff ect the fi nal outcome of elec ons. special envelopes form the polling sta on, 1 incident of presence of unauthorized person Moreover, the vast majority of the observers during vote coun ng process, 1 incident of of “Mul na onal Georgia” have been able to absence of the special procedures necessary for freely access the polling sta ons in order to selec on of PEC members for the purpose of observe each and every step of the elec on coun ng of bulle ns, 3 other types of electoral process and procedures during an Elec on shortcomings. Day. Only one observer of organiza on was not allowed to freely observer the procedures regarding the opening of the polling sta on. In addi on, only one polling sta on was not Incidents ready for the recep on of the fi rst voter by 8:00 out of the elec on precincts covered by Agita on in the polling sta on: the PMMG monitoring program. Lafi t Gasanov, observer of the monitoring The vo ng process was conducted in a organiza on “the Centre of Freedom and culm environment. However, the observers Equity” was conduc ng agita on at # 1 revealed some electoral shortcomings mostly elec on precinct (EP) of # 31elec on district caused by an inadequate level of professional (ED). The incident was challenged by the short qualifi ca on of some members of the elec on term observer and the respec ve complaint administra on in project targeted regions as was fi led. well as generally underdeveloped poli cal and electoral culture of the voters. The member of the PEC was conduc ng the agita on on the polling sta on at # 9 EP of # 46 Ninotsminda-Akhalkalaki ED.

5.4. The incidents revealed on the Elec ons day as well as fi led Illegal restric on of observer’s right: complaints Short term observer of the PMMG was not In total, within the framework of the monitoring allowed to enter the # 37 elec on precinct of program up to 50 incidents have been reported # 35 Marneuli elec on district by 07:00. The by the PMMG short term observers including: members of the precinct elec on commission 2 incidents of agita on in the polling sta on, have declared that the observer would 4 incidents of illegal restric on of observer’s only be allowed to enter the EP by 08:00. right, 7 incidents of presence of unauthorized Representa ve of PMMG has established people present at the polling sta on, 1 incident communica on with the chair of the precinct of damage of the elec on materials, 1 incident elec on commission to clarify the details. of pressure on observer, 1 incident of delayed As a result, PMMG observer was allowed to opening of the polling sta on, 3 incidents of enter the elec on precinct for the purpose of improper se ng up of the polling sta on, conduc on of monitoring. 2 incidents of not conduc on of the special procedures for the purpose of distribu on of Short term observer of the PMMG was 30 ELECTIONS MONITORING PROGRAM FINAL REPORT expelled from # 88 polling sta on of # 35 Marneuli ED represen ng “Georgian Dream Marneuli ED on the ground of not having a – Democra c Georgia” without presen ng right to movement inside the polling sta on. any IDs. This fact was challenged by the short This incident was challenged in # 35 Marneuli term observer of the PMMG who made a district elec on commission. subsequent comment in the register book as well as fi led a complaint. As a result the At # 37 elec on precinct of # 35 Marneuli ED, incident was removed and the unauthorized one of the members of the precinct elec on person le the polling sta on. commission was trying to allow the voter to take the envelop as well as the ballot outside The fact of presence of unauthorized person of the polling sta on. The incident was was reported from # 51 elec on precinct of challenged by the short term observer of the # 46 Ninotsminda-Akhalkalaki ED without PMMG which was met with the aggression presen ng any ID. The incident was challenged of the part of the members of the precinct by the short term observer and despite elec on commission. As a result PMMG short unwillingness of the chair of the precinct term observer was expelled from the polling elec on commission the unauthorized sta on. Hereby it has to be noted that the person was expelled from the polling sta on. observer has managed to obtain both photo According to the explana ons provided by the and video materials capturing the incident. chair the allegedly unauthorized person was As a result of request made by the observer the member of the same precinct elec on organiza on as well as the recommenda on commission who due to some reasons did not issued by the CEC, PMMG short term observer manage to obtain special permit (badge). was allowed to return to the polling sta on and con nue observatory works.

The incident was reported from # 26 EP of Damage of the elec on materials: # 46 Ninotsminda-Akhalkalaki ED. PMMG observer was not allowed to freely move There were some facts when the registrar of inside the EP to carry out the monitoring. # 60 elec on precinct of # 32 Tetritskarho- Gardabani ED was inten onally damaging the ballots to be handed over to the voter. This fact was challenged by the short term observer Presence of unauthorized people at the who fi led a complaint to the precinct elec on polling sta on: commission. The complaint was sa sfi ed and hence the registrar was subs tuted. There was a fact of presence of unauthorized person at # 34 elec on precinct of # 35 Marneuli ED as reported by PMMG short term observer. As a result of challenge of Pressure on observer: the incident by the short term observer of the PMMG the unauthorized person le the On 8 October, the observer of “Human polling sta on. Rights Center” requested the registra on of complaint at # 37 precinct elec on 3 facts of presence of unauthorized people commission of # 35 Marneuli electoral district. at # 72 elec on precinct (village Alge ) of # The request of the observer has caused the 35 Marneuli ED was reported by the PMMG irrita on on the part of the members of the short term observers. PMMG short term precinct elec on commission resulted in observer made an objec on towards the verbal harassment. According to the observer chair of the elec on precinct according to the incident involved pressure, threat as which the unauthorized people have been well as physical harassment. This fact was expelled from the polling sta on. witnessed by the short term observer of the PMMG who has recorded the fact on There was a fact of presence of unauthorized video as well as provided the subsequent person at # 86 elec on precinct of # 36 commentaries/explana ons to the police. 31 2016 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS Delayed opening of the polling sta on: assigned based on personal prejudice and considera on of the chair of the precinct According to the informa on as reported by elec on commission. Short term observer the short term observer # 5 elec on precinct of the PMMG has challenged the case and of # 36 Marneuli ED was not ready to receiver hence submi ed a complaint. The similar the fi rst voter by 08:00. Moreover, the control type of incident was reported at # 46 elec on paper was inserted in the ballot box a er the precinct of # 35 Marneuli ED. visit of third voter.

Non-affi rming of the ballot papers: Improper se ng up of the polling sta on: There was an incident reported at # 71 elec on There was only one vote cas ng boot installed precinct of # 36 Marneuli ED according to which at # 26 elec on precinct of # 46 Ninotsminda- the bullets given to the members of the precinct Akhalkalaki ED (for 720 voters) due to which elec on commission were only affi rmed by the voters casted votes outside the boot. This is seal of the precinct elec on commission but the fact of breaching of vote secrecy. not the signature of the registrar. # 35 precinct elec on commission (village Kesalo 1) of # 35 Marneuli ED did not have the demonstra onal protocol. According to the Breach of vote secrecy: chair of the precinct elec on commission, # 35 Marneuli district elec on commission did not The fact of breaching of vote secrecy was hand over the demonstra onal protocol to reported from # 14 elec on precinct of # the precinct elec on commission. Therefore, 46 of Ninotsminda-Akhalkalaki ED. Notably, in order to eradicate the problem the precinct voters were cas ng vote outside the vo ng elec on commission decided to develop booth. Despite mul ple objec ons made by (draw) the demonstra onal protocol on its the short term observers the incident was own and place it at the polling sta on. Due not removed. The complaint was fi led to the to this incident, short term observer of the precinct elec on commission. PMMG has made a record in the register book. At # 31 elec on precinct of # 35 Marneuli ED The incident was reported from # 9 elec on the movable ballot box has been annulled on precinct of # 46 Ninotsminda-Akhalkalaki the background of the appeal submi ed by the ED according to which there was a lack of observer of the PMMG to the precinct elec on respec ve electoral materials inside the vo ng commission. The reason for annulment of the booth as s pulated by the standing law. movable ballot box was the fact according to which in the movable ballot box voters’ list there were only three signatures made while in 41 cases there were the cross marked alongside Not conduc on of the special procedures the name and surname of the voters. The for the purpose of distribu on of func ons short term observer of the PMMG suspected among the members of the precinct elec on the possible viola on of the electoral law. To commission: the best of his judgment the movable ballot box was not brought to the voters. Precinct Based on the fi ndings obtained by PMMG elec on commission has taken the judgment short term observer # 53 precinct elec on of the observer into considera on and thus commission of # 35 Marneuli ED did not sa sfi ed the objec on. carry out the necessary procedures for the distribu on of func ons among the members There was only one vote cas ng boot installed of the precinct elec on commission. at # 26 elec on precinct of # 46 Ninotsminda- Therefore, all the func ons among the Akhalkalaki ED (for 720 voters) due to which members of the commission have been voters casted votes outside the boot. This is 32 ELECTIONS MONITORING PROGRAM FINAL REPORT the fact of breaching of vote secrecy. precinct elec on commission responsible for regula ng the number of voters inside the The incident was reported from # 9 elec on polling sta on did not check the voter on precinct of # 46 Ninotsminda-Akhalkalaki marking. ED according to which the voter was accompanied by unauthorized person inside 1 incident was reported from # 9 elec on the vo ng booth. precinct of # 46 Ninotsminda-Akhalkalaki elec on district according to which the The incident was reported from # 11 elec on register did not apply marking to the voter. precinct of # 46 Ninotsminda-Akhalkalaki ED according to which the voters were cas ng the vote outside the vo ng booth. Vo ng without presen ng proper documenta on:

Vo ng without checking / applica on of One incident of a empt of vo ng without marking: presen ng proper documenta on (driver’s license) was reported from # 9 elec on At # 13 elec on precinct of # 46 Ninotsminda- precinct of # 46 Ninotsminda-Akhalkalaki Akhalkalaki ED, the incident was reported ED which was halted as a result of objec on according to which the member of the raised by the PMMG short term observer. commission responsible for regula ng the queue was not checking the voters for There were three cases of a empts of cas ng a marking. This fact was verbally objected vote witout presen ng proper documenta on by the short term observer of the PMMG at # 51 elec on precinct of # 46 Ninotsminda- and requested the making of the respec ve Akhalkalaki ED. The a empts were halted as a record in the register book. However, the result of interference of short term observer. secretary of the precinct elec on commission did not allow the observer to make such a The member of the precinct elec on note. The observer fi led a complaint to # 46 commission regula ng the queue at # 37 Ninotsminda-Akhalkalaki district elec on elec on precinct of # 35 Marneuli ED was commission and thus objected the conduct allowing the voter to enter the polling sta on of the secretary. without presen ng proper documenta on as well as checking the marking. This fact No marking was applied to the voter at # 89 was challenged by the short term observer elec on precinct of # 36 Merneuli ED. Moreover, of PMMG; the complaint was fi led with the the results of the procedures implying the request of subs tu on of the men oned distribu on of func ons among the members members of the commission. of the precinct elec on commission were not affi rmed by the seal of the chairman of precinct There was an a empt on the part of the elec on commission. Given the presence of registrar of # 08 elec on precinct of # 36 underlined viola ons short term observer of Marneuli ED according to which he allowed the PMMG has fi led a complaint. to voter to cast a vote without presen ng proper documenta on (a empt of vo ng by No marking was applied to the voter at # driver’s license). The incident was challenged 48 elec on precinct of # 48 Merneuli ED by by the short term observer of the PMMG. the person responsible for regula on of the However, instead of refraining from the queue. possible viola on of the electoral law, the registrar con nued undue prac ce. Notably, 2 incidents were reported from # 26 elec on he used to issue the ballot affi rming only precinct of # 46 Ninotsminda-Akhalkalaki by the seal but not the signature. PMMG elec on district regarding the viola on of short term observer fi led a complaint to marking procedure. The register did not apply subs tute registrar by the other member of marking to the voter and the members of the the commission which was sa sfi ed by the 33 2016 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS precinct elec on commission. Presence of unauthorized person during vote coun ng process: There was a fact of cas ng a vote without presen ng proper documenta on at # 5 There was an incident of the presence of elec on precinct of # 46 Ninotsminda- unauthorized person during vote coun ng Akhalkalaki ED. Short term observer has fi led process at # 21 elec on precinct of # 46 a complaint to challenge the incident. Ninotsminda-Akhalkalaki ED. The incident was challenged by PMMG observer and the The incident was reported from # 48 elec on respec ve complaint was fi led to the precinct precinct of # 36 Marneuli ED according to elec on commission. which the register allowed several voters to cast a vote without presen ng proper documenta on. Absence of the special procedures necessary for selec on of PEC members for the purpose of coun ng of bulle ns: Inappropriate sealing of the main ballot box: The incident was reported from # 35 elec on The fact of sealing of the ballot box with non- precinct of # 46 Ninotsminda-Akhalkalaki ED. iden cal seals was reported from # 23 elec on The special procedures necessary for selec on precinct of # 46 Ninotsminda-Akhalkalaki of PEC members for the purpose of coun ng ED. The PMMG short term observer tried of bulle ns were not carried out. The incident to picture the scene. However, his a empt was challenged by PMMG observer and the was heavily cri cized by the chair of precinct respec ve complaint was fi led to the precinct elec on commission who has threatened his elec on commission. ejec on. The observer has made a respec ve record in the register book.

Other types of electoral shortcomings:

Opening of the polling sta on before the There was an a empt on the part of the chair me as established by the law: of # 49 elec on precinct (village Kumurdo) of # 46 Ninotsminda-Akhalkalaki ED to take the # 46 polling sta on of # 23 Sagarejo ED was ballot outside of the polling sta on jus fying opened by the chair of the precinct elec on the physical disability of the voter who could commission at 06:35. Therefore, the polling not access the elec on precinct. This incident sta on was being opened at the me of entry was halted as a result of objec on raised by of the short term observer. Moreover, at the the PMMG short term observer. me of opening of the polling sta on there was not the enough number of the members Representa ve of other observer organiza on of the precinct elec on commission. Short has casted a vote through the special list at term observer of the PMMG has challenged # 30 elec on precinct of # 46 Ninotsminda- the case and fi ned a complaint. Akhalkalaki ED.

A empt of taking out the special envelopes The par cular a en on deserves the events out of the polling sta on: evolving around # 48 elec on precinct (village Kizilajlo) of # 36 Marneuli ED with regard to At # 60 elec on precinct of # 36 Marneuli ED, which PMMG has fi led a complaint to the # the uniden fi ed person entered the polling 48 district elec on commission reques ng sta on and a empted to take out the special the annulment of bulle ns as far as the envelopes. voters registered for the polling sta on were not given the possibility to cast a vote before

34 ELECTIONS MONITORING PROGRAM FINAL REPORT the closure of the polling sta on which sa sfi ed (the shortcomings were removed). could aff ect the results of the elec ons. The complaint of PMMG was sa sfi ed resul ng 6 complaints were fi led to # 26 elec on in the annulment of the bulle ns and precinct of Ninotsminda-Akhalkalaki # 46 appointment of repeated elec ons in the elec on district. The complaints were fi led underlined elec on precinct. on the ground of the following shortcomings: registers did not apply marking to the voter, the One incident was reported from # 9 elec on voter was not checked on marking, restric on precinct of # 46 Ninotsminda-Akhalkalaki ED of the right of imposi on monitoring in the according to which the voter a empted to polling sta on and accompanying of the voter cast a vote the second me. in the vo ng booth. 2 complaints were sa sfi ed (the shortcomings were removed) while the rest of complaints were not considered by the precinct elec on commission. As a result Complaints: the unsa sfi ed complaints were fi led to the district elec on commission. For 8 October Parliamentary elec ons PMMG observers fi led 27 complaints to the precinct 1 complaint was fi led to # 11 elec on precinct elec ons commission of Marneuli # 35 and of Ninotsminda-Akhalkalaki # 46 elec on # 36, Gardabani # 31, Gardabani-Tetritskaro district. The complaint was fi led on the # 32, Sagarejo # 23 and Ninotsminda- ground of breaching of vo ng secrecy. The Akhalkalaki # 46 elec on districts out of which complaint was sa sfi ed and the shortcoming 22 complaints were sa sfi ed and 5 were not. was removed.

4 complaints were fi led to # 9 elec on 1 complaint was fi led to # 21 elec on precinct precinct of Ninotsminda-Akhalkalaki # 46 of Ninotsminda-Akhalkalaki # 46 elec on elec on district. The complaints were fi led district. The complaint was fi led on the ground on the ground of the following shortcomings: of presence of unauthorized person during agita on in the polling sta on on the part vote coun ng process. The complaint was of the members of the precinct elec on sa sfi ed and the shortcoming was removed. commission, lack of electoral documents present in the vo ng booth as s pulated by 1 complaint was fi led to # 35 elec on precinct the law, repeated vo ng, lack of applica on of of Ninotsminda-Akhalkalaki # 46 elec on the marking and accompanying of the voter district. The complaint was fi led on the ground in the vo ng booth. All the complaints were of absence of the special procedures for the

35 2016 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS selec on of precinct elec on commission complaint was sa sfi ed and the shortcoming members responsible for coun ng of was removed. ballots. The complaint was sa sfi ed and the shortcoming was removed. 1 complaint was fi led to # 48 elec on precinct of Marneuli # 35 elec on district. The 1 complaint was fi led to # 14 elec on precinct complaint was fi led on the ground of request of Ninotsminda-Akhalkalaki # 46 elec on of annulment of the results of the elec on district. The complaint was fi led on the precinct due to the violence taken place at the ground of breaching of vo ng secrecy on the polling sta on. The complaint was sa sfi ed part of the voter. The complaint was sa sfi ed by the district elec on commission. and the shortcoming was removed. 1 complaint was fi led to # 86 elec on 1 complaint was fi led to # 5 elec on precinct of Marneuli # 36 elec on district. precinct of Ninotsminda-Akhalkalaki # 46 The complaint was fi led on the ground of elec on district. The complaint was fi led presence of unauthorized person in the on the ground of a empt of vo ng without polling sta on. The complaint was sa sfi ed presen ng appropriate documenta on. The and the shortcoming was removed. complaint was sa sfi ed and the shortcoming was removed. 1 complaint was fi led to # 8 elec on precinct of Marneuli # 36 elec on district. The 1 complaint was fi led to # 40 elec on complaint was fi led on the ground of not precinct of Sagarejo # 23 elec on district. applying of signature by the register on the The complaint was fi led on the ground of ballot paper. The complaint was sa sfi ed and not applying marking to the voter by the the shortcoming was removed. register. The complaint was sa sfi ed and the shortcoming was removed. 1 complaint was fi led to # 71 elec on precinct of Marneuli # 36 elec on district. 1 complaint was fi led to # 37 elec on precinct The complaint was fi led on rela ons to the of Marneuli # 35 elec on district. The movable ballot box. The complaint was complaint was fi led on the ground of allowing sa sfi ed and the shortcoming was removed. the voter in the polling sta on without presen ng appropriate documenta on as well 1 complaint was fi led to # 1 elec on as not checking on marking. The complaint was precinct of Gardabani # 31 elec on district. sa sfi ed and the shortcoming was removed. The complaint was fi led on the ground of conduc on of agita on in the polling sta on 1 complaint was fi led to # 88 elec on precinct on the part of the observer represen ng of Marneuli # 35 elec on district as well as “the Centre of Freedom and Equality”. The to the district elec on commission. The complaint was sa sfi ed and the shortcoming complaint was fi led on the ground of ejec on was removed. of the observer from the polling sta on. The complaint was sa sfi ed and the shortcoming 1 complaint was fi led to # 60 elec on precinct was removed. of Gardabani-Tetritskaro # 32 elec on district. The complaint was fi led on the ground of 1 complaint was fi led to # 53 elec on precinct damage of the ballot by the register. The of Marneuli # 35 elec on district. The complaint complaint was sa sfi ed and the shortcoming was fi led on the ground of not conduc on of was removed. special procedures among the precinct elec on commission members. The complaint was PMMG observers fi led 14 the complaints to sa sfi ed and the shortcoming was removed. Marneuli and Akhalkalaki district elec on commissions out of which 10 complaints 1 complaint was fi led to # 31 elec on precinct were sa sfi ed including the one reques ng of Marneuli # 35 elec on district. The the annulment of the results of # 48 elec on complaint was fi led on the ground of request precinct of # 36 Marneuli elec on district. 4 of annulment of the movable vo ng box. The complaints were not sa sfi ed. 36 ELECTIONS MONITORING PROGRAM FINAL REPORT

6. ELECTIONS DAY: 30 OCTOBER RUNOFF ELECTIONS

6.1. The elec ons day monitoring monitoring program PMMG mobilized call program of the PMMG centre operators sta oned at its head offi ce. Call centre operators obtained and processed For 30 October, 2016 Runoff Elec ons PMMG the electoral fi ndings obtained from short carried out the monitoring of the Elec on Day term observers. Moreover, the hot line was proceedings in # 23 Sagarejo, # 36 Marneuli, # being func onal at the PMMG offi ce thus 44 Adigeni-Akhaltsikhe and # 9 Isani elec on enabling all the interested par es to report districts (ED). electoral fi ndings to the organiza on’s head offi ce. The monitoring program covered 12 elec on precincts of # 23 Sagarejo ED, 46 elec on The Elec ons Day monitoring program is precincts of # 36 Marneuli ED, 7 elec on being supported by the lawyers engaged into precincts of # 44 Adigeni-Akhaltsikhe ED and the program. 8 elec on precincts of # 9 Isani ED. On 30 October, during an en re Elec ons The monitoring program covered 23 Sagarejo, Day PMMG was dissemina ng informa on # 36 Marneuli, # 44 Adigeni-Akhaltsikhe and through the media regarding the proceedings # 9 Isani district elec on commissions as well taken place with regard to the opening and as Central Elec on Commission. se ng up the polling sta on, vote cas ng, closure of the polling sta on and tabula on of In total, on the Elec ons Day 99 short-term observers were deployed including 73 sta c observes, 21 mobile group observers, 4 district elec on commission observers and 1 CEC observer.

For the purpose of eff ec ve realiza on of Elec ons Day

37 2016 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS the results. In addi on, the media was briefed on observers, 1 incident of repeated vo ng, about the revealed electoral shortcomings 1 incident of illegal restric on of observer’s and viola ons. rights, 3 incidents of inappropriate se ng up of the polling sta on, 2 incidents of vo ng 6.2. Main fi ndings of PMMG Elec ons without applica on/checking of marking, 1 Day monitoring program incident of pre-made signatures in the voters’ list, 1 incident of non-confi rming of ballots Given the facts and available evidence as with the stamp, 1 incident of illegal restric on obtained by the observers, “Mul na onal of rights of those people having the authority Georgia” concludes that 30 October, 2016 to be present at the polling sta on, 1 incident Runoff Elec ons in # 23 Sagarejo, # 36 of viola on of vote coun ng procedures and Marneuli, # 44 Adigeni-Akhaltsikhe and # 9 10 incidents of presence of diff erent types of Isani elec on districts (ED) with the compact electoral shortcomings. se lement of ethnic minori es was held in general in calm, fair and compe ve environment. Mostly, this asser on applies to # 23 Sagarejo, # 44 Adigeni-Akhaltsikhe and # Incidents 9 Isani elec on districts (ED) falling within the framework of PMMG observable areas. Presence of unauthorized people at the polling sta on: Hereby it has to be reiterated that the monitoring mission of the PMMG fully covered At # 58 elec on precincts of # 36 Marneuli ED, # 36 Marneuli ED in where the observers of there was a case of presence of two observers the organiza on s ll revealed certain number from the organiza on “Green World” at the of electoral shortcomings. However, given polling sta on. The fact was challenged by the the quan ty of revealed electoral viola ons PMMG observer. The incident was removed as well as their character it can be argued that as a result of verbal objec on raised by the such shortcomings could not aff ect the fi nal PMMG observer and as a result the extra outcome of the elec ons. observer of the underline organiza on was ejected from the elec on precinct. Par cular a en on deserves to be played to the fact according to which the quality of The unauthorized person was accompanying drawing of the summary protocol of precinct the voters inside # 65 elec on precinct of # elec on commissions has been substan ally 36 Marneuli ED. The fact was challenged by improved for Runoff Elec ons as compared PMMG observer who fi led a complaint. As with the fi rst round of elec ons. a result the incident was removed and the men oned individual was no more allowed to enter the polling sta on.

6.3. The incidents revealed on the At # 36, # 55 and # 56 elec on precincts of # 36 Elec ons day as well as fi led complaints Marneuli ED, there were cases of presence of unauthorized people in the polling sta on. The In total, 35 incidents have were revealed incidents were removed as a result of verbal by the short term observers of the PMMG objec on raised by the PMMG observers. including 5 incidents of presence of unauthorized people at the polling sta on, 1 incident of inappropriate documenta on of Inappropriate documenta on of the elec on the elec on process, 1 incident of agita on, process: 5 incidents of breach of ballot secrecy, 1 incident of vo ng without presen ng proper There was no informa on maintained in the documenta on, 1 incident of threat/pressure precinct elec on commission registra on 38 ELECTIONS MONITORING PROGRAM FINAL REPORT book regarding the request (both verbal as The incident was reported from # 18 elec on well as wri en) for the delivery of the movable precinct of # 36 Marneuli ED according to box. Such case is reported from # 19 elec on which two voters entered the vo ng booth precinct of # 36 Marneuli ED. The incident simultaneously without the presence of any was protested by the PMMG observer who necessity (allowed by the standing law). The fi led a complaint. incident was removed as a result of verbal objec on raised by the observer as well as Agita on: the special remark made in the register’s book. The bulle n was damaged and the new The fact of agita on was reported from # bulle n was issued to the voter. 65 elec on precinct of # 36 Marneuli ED. Notably, representa ve of “the Centre for Freedom and Equality” was agita ng in favour of the “United Na onal Movement”. Vo ng without presen ng proper The fact was challenged by PMMG observer. documenta on: As a result, chairman of the precinct elec on commission warned the representa ve of The fact of vo ng without presen ng proper “the Centre for Freedom and Equality” who documenta on was revealed at # 60 elec on stopped agita on. precinct of # 36 Marneuli ED. The voter was allowed to cast a vote without presen ng ID. The fact was challenged by the PMMG observer and the complaint was fi led. Breach of ballot secrecy:

The fact of breach of ballot secrecy was reported from # 44 elec on precinct of # 36 Threat/pressure on observers: Marneuli ED according to which the voter took the photo of the ballot inside the vo ng The incident of threat/pressure on PMMG booth. The incident was challenged by the observer was reported at # 26 elec on PMMG observer who made a remark in the precinct of # 36 Marneuli ED from the side of register’s book. the member of precinct elec on commission. The PMMG observer has iden fi ed the Several facts of breach of ballot secrecy electoral shortcoming and objected to the were reported from # 57 elec on precinct chairman of the precinct elec on commission. of # 36 Marneuli ED. The voters were This fact irritated one of the members of the leaving the vo ng booth without planning commission who threatened PMMG observer the bullets inside the special envelop thus with physical harassment in case he fi led a openly displaying their choice. The fact was complaint. Moreover, the member of the challenged by the PMMG observer who made precinct elec on commission tried to clarify a remark in the registra on book. the case with PMMG observer outside of elec on precinct. The incident was removed At # 85 elec on precinct of # 36 Marneuli ED as a result of communica on established the voter being simultaneously the observer between PMMG and CEC. at the same polling sta on violated secrecy of vo ng. He marked his favourite candidate on the register’s table instead of vo ng booth. The same type of incident occurred at Repeated vo ng: # 18 elec on precinct of # 36 Marneuli ED. The incidents were objected by the PMMG The incident was reported from # 48 elec on observers and the respec ve remarks were precinct of # 36 Marneuli ED according to made in the register’s book. which the voter having the traces of marking was allowed to cast a vote. The case was 39 2016 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS remark in the register’s book.

There were no electoral materials posted in the vo ng booth as required by the law. The incident was reported from # 6 elec on precinct of # 44 Adigeni-Akhaltsikhe ED. The incidents were objected by the PMMG observers and the respec ve remarks were made in the register’s book.

Vo ng without applica on/ protested by PMMG observer. The complaint checking of marking: was fi led which was sa sfi ed. The marking was not applied to the voter at # 64 elec on precinct of # 36 Marneuli ED. The incident was removed as a result of verbal Illegal restric on of observer’s rights: objec on raised by the observer as well as the There was an incident reported from # 48 special remark made in the register’s book. elec on precinct of # 36 Marneuli ED according The marking was not applied to the voter to which short term observer of the PMMG at # 30 elec on precinct of # 44 Adigeni- was not allowed to enter the polling sta on Akhaltsikhe ED. The incident was removed to observe the procedures for the purpose as a result of verbal objec on raised by the of distribu on of du es and responsibili es observer as well as the special remark made among the members of the precinct elec on in the register’s book. commission. To this end PMMG established communica on with the CEC. As a result the incident was removed and PMMG observer was allowed to enter the polling sta on. Pre-made signatures in the voters’ list: Despite this fact the chairman of the PEC is displaying aggressive gesture against There was an incident reported from # 18 PMMG observer. The underline incident was elec on precinct of # 36 Marneuli ED according objected by the observer and with the direct to which the voter has applied his signature involvement of the chairman of Marneuli along the surname of another voter. The incident district elec on commission was registered was protested in the form of the complaint fi led by the precinct elec on commission. against the precinct elec on commission.

Inappropriate se ng up of the polling Non-confi rming of ballots with the stamp: sta on: There were no seal applied to the bullets At # 36 and # 19 elec on precincts of # 36 designated for movable box vo ng. This Marneuli ED, PMMG observer documented incident was reported from # 89 elec on the fact according to which not all electoral precinct of # 36 Marneuli ED. The incident materials were posted in the vo ng booth, was protested by the PMMG observer who notably the list of the majoritarian candidates. fi led a complaint to the precinct elec on To this end PMMG observer made a special commission. As a result, the movable box 40 ELECTIONS MONITORING PROGRAM FINAL REPORT with the respec ve members of the precinct allowed to enter polling sta on. elec on commission was returned to the elec on precinct and the seal was applied to The voter has shown up at # 18 elec on the bulle ns. precinct of # 36 Marneuli ED possessing the copy of table voters’ list in which he was making remarks about those voters who have already took part in vote cas ng process. Illegal restric on of rights of those people The fact was challenged by PMMG and other having the authority to be present at the organiza ons’ observers. As a result the polling sta on: underlined individual le the polling sta on. In addi on, the police was called regarding Representa ves of the informa onal agency this incident. “All Media” were subs tu ng each other at # 55 elec on precinct of # 36 ED. In one Some procedural shortcomings have been case representa ve of the men oned agency reported from # 59 elec on precinct of # accompanied the voter into the vo ng 36 ED. The registers were fi rst reques ng booth, as a result he was expelled from the the voters to put signatures in the common polling sta on. In other case the subs tuted voters’ list and then were applying marking. observer of the underlined agency was not Moreover, the supervisor of main vo ng box allowing the voter to enter the polling sta on. was handing out the special envelops to the The incidents were challenged by PMMG voters without possessing such right. The observers. incident was removed as a result of verbal objec on raised by PMMG observer.

There was a case of inconsecu ve conduc on Viola on of vote coun ng procedures: of the electoral procedures on the part of the register at # 55 elec on precinct of # 36 The incident was reported from # 68 elec on Marneuli ED. Moreover, there was a fact of precinct of # 36 Marneuli ED according to larger number of voters allowed at the polling which the vote coun ng procedures were sta on. The incident was removed as a result violated. The incident was challenged by of verbal objec on raised by the PMMG PMMG observer and the respec ve complaint observer. was fi led to the precinct elec on commission. The register was pu ng the seal as well as the signature on the bullets in advance at # Other types of electoral shortcomings: 65 elec on district of # 36 Marneuli ED. The incident was removed as a result of verbal There was an incident occurred at # 48 objec on raised by the PMMG observer. elec on precinct of # 36 Marneuli ED according to which the voters with marking The special list data (list of voters) was not were trying to enter the polling sta on. The included in the demonstra onal protocol at # incident was challenged by PMMG observer. 46 elec on precinct of # 23 Sagarejo ED. The As a result the underlined voters were not incident was removed as a result of verbal allowed to enter polling sta on. objec on raised by the observer as well as the special remark made in the register’s book. Similar type of incident occurred at # 18 elec on precinct of # 36 Marneuli ED At # 38 and # 47 elec on precincts of # 23 according to which the voter with marking Sagarejo ED the movable elec on box voters’ was trying to enter the polling sta on. The data was not refl ected in the voters’ common incident was challenged by PMMG observer. list. The incident was removed as a result As a result the underlined voter was not of verbal objec on raised by the PMMG 41 2016 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

observer. elec on district out of which 7 complaints were sa sfi ed and 4 complaints were not. There was an incident reported from # 48 elec on precinct of # 36 Marneui ED according 1 complaint was fi led to # 56 elec on precinct to which no control paper was found in of # 36 Marneuli elec on district. The the main bullet box during its opening. The complaint was fi led on the ground of presence incident was objected by PMMG observer of two observers in the polling sta on from who fi led a complaint to the precinct elec on the same organiza on. The complaint was commission. sa sfi ed and the shortcoming was removed.

The copier machine damaged at # 50 elec on 1 complaint was fi led to # 68 elec on precinct of # 36 Marneuli ED. As a result the precinct of # 36 Marneuli elec on district. precinct elec on commission has taken a The complaint was fi led on the ground of decision to leave the elec on precinct for the viola on of vote coun ng procedures. The purpose of taking the summery protocol to complaint was sa sfi ed and the shortcoming the district elec on commission. As for the was removed. elec on materials including unused bullets they were le at the polling sta on without 2 complaints were fi led to # 19 elec on sealing. The incident was challenged by the precinct of # 36 Marneuli elec on district. PMMG observer who fi led a complaint to the The complaints were fi led in rela ons to the district elec on commission. voters list of the movable ballot box as well as the refusal to consider the complaint. The Complaints: complaints were not sa sfi ed.

For 30 October, 2016 Runoff Elec ons 2 complaints were fi led to # 65 elec on PMMG observers fi led 11 complaints to the precinct of # 36 Marneuli elec on district. respec ve elec on precincts of # 36 Marneuli The complaints were fi led in rela ons to the

42 ELECTIONS MONITORING PROGRAM FINAL REPORT presence of unauthorized person in the polling precinct of # 36 Marneuli elec on district. sta on as well as voters list of the movable The complaint was fi led on the ground of ballot box. The complaints were sa sfi ed and restric on of vo ng by the observer to the the shortcomings were removed. voter. The complaint was not sa sfi ed.

2 complaints were fi led to # 48 elec on 1 complaint was fi led to # 71 elec on precinct of # 36 Marneuli elec on district. precinct of # 36 Marneuli elec on district. The complaints were fi led in rela ons to the The complaint was fi led on the ground refusal to the observer to enter the polling of restric on of the right to observe the sta on to observe the vo ng process as well elec ons at the polling sta on. The complaint as allowing the vo ng to those 4 voters who was sa sfi ed and the shortcoming removed. had already had marking. In the fi rst case the complaint was sa sfi ed by the district For 30 October, 2016 Runoff Elec ons PMMG elec on commission and the shortcoming observers fi led 5 complaints to Marneuli was removed. However, in the second case district elec ons commission out of which 3 the complaint was not sa sfi ed. complaints were sa sfi ed and 2 complaints were not. 1 complaint was fi led to # 63 elec on

43 2016 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

7. INFORMATION ABOUT THE PMMG

The Union "Public Movement Mul na on- Recommenda ons developed by the PMMG al Georgia" (PMMG) was registered as a implying the perfec on of the electoral envi- non-governmental organiza on on June 1, ronment have in most cases been shared by 1999. PMMG unites the ci zens of Georgia and refl ected in the program direc ons of the belonging to diff erent ethnic, religious and respec ve interested par es including the linguis c groups. domes c and interna onal organiza ons.

PMMG is an umbrella organiza on providing The main direc ons of the PMMG ac vi es resource support and coopera ng with the are: Promo on, protec on of rights and de- representa ves of more than 19 ethnic com- velopment of the capaci es of ethnic, reli- munity based and 56 grass-root CSOs working gious and linguis c minori es and crea on in the fi eld of protec on and promo on of of condi ons for their ac ve par cipa on ethnic, religious and linguis c groups’ rights at all levels; Response to and preven on of and integra on. the confl icts, reaching mutual understand- ing amongst the civil society support for the Since 2009 PMMG enjoys the status of Part- democra c transforma on and European ner Organiza on of the CoE. PMMG also rep- integra on of Georgia; Promo on of the de- resents the interests of interna onal coali on centraliza on and support to the establish- “fi gh ng the hate speech in Southern Cauca- ment of the local self-government in line with sus”. PMMG is the member of the “Federal the development of local communi es; De- Union of European Na ons” as well as the velopment of the intercultural dialogue and “Coali on for Transparent and Independent exchange, in line with the harmoniza on of Judiciary”. the interethnic rela ons in the society; Vot- ers’ educa on, elec ons monitoring as well Since 2003 PMMG is ac vely engaged in Kak- as promo on of eff ec ve civic, poli cal and he , Kvemo Kartli and Samtskhe-Javakhe re- electoral engagement of vulnerable groups. gions in terms of the realiza on of elec ons monitoring missions. The results a ained by Detailed informa on about the PMMG can be the PMMG as well as the recommenda ons obtained from its website at: h p://pmmg. as developed within the frameworks of the org.ge/ or offi cial Facebook page: h ps:// monitoring missions have been permanently www.facebook.com/PMMG.ORG/ disseminated among the diff erent stakehold- ers including the Central Elec on Commis- sion.

44 ELECTIONS MONITORING PROGRAM FINAL REPORT

8. RECOMMENDATIONS:

The PMMG developed recommenda ons with at raising voters’ awareness on electoral regard to the trends iden fi ed in the course issues in the minority populated regions of the pre-elec on period, Elec ons Day and in order to increase quan ta ve and post-elec on period of the parliamentary qualita ve level of engagement of ethnic elec ons of 2016 in Georgia in the regions minority representa ves in the elec on densely populated with ethnic minori es. process before the next rounds of elec ons.

● The civil society should con nue making eff orts permanently in the minority ● The CEC made important eff orts in terms populated regions to raise the level of of administra on of the parliamentary local voters’ engagement in poli cal and elec ons of 2016 in Georgia, which electoral processes during elec ons, as had posi ve eff ect on the quality of well as in the non-elec on periods. administra on of the elec on process. Despite the men oned, the CEC must ● The civil society should con nue make more eff orts to achieve eff ec ve coopera on with the poli cal subjects and sustainable result, which primarily in order to raise/strengthen the level of implies measures to upgrade qualifi ca on electoral capaci es of their representa ves of DEC and PEC members and further in the minority populated regions. development of posi ve experience in this regard. ● The law enforcement body should ensure that the requirements of the law ● In future the CEC should pay par cular are respected and mely and adequate a en on to not only the quan ta ve, liability measures are undertaken against but also qualita ve involvement of ethnic off enders. minori es in the elec on administra on. It is also important to pay a en on to ● The local self-government structures profi ciency of representa ves of the should take measures during pre-elec on elec on administra on in the state period to prevent agita ons by the civil language in the minority populated servants during the working hours for the cons tuencies. The PMMG deems that benefi t of any poli cal subject. the representa ves of the elec on administra on should speak minimum ● The local self-government structures two languages, namely the state language should ensure that poli cal impar ality and respec ve ethnic minority language during pre-elec on period is respected spoken in the specifi c region. This would and that the budget or human resources help them to perform their du es in of the local self-government structures are transparent and eff ec ve manner. not used for the party purposes.

● The CEC should ensure that the ● The management of the local self- requirements of the electoral legisla on government structures must provide are respected during pre-elec on, Elec ons informa on to the civil servants working Day as well as post-elec on period and at these structures on their rights and mely and adequate liability measures are obliga ons and promote raising their undertaken against off enders. awareness in this regard.

● The CEC should con nue ac vi es aimed ● In the pre-elec on period the electoral 45 2016 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS subjects and their representa ves should representa ves in the poli cal ac vi es, refrain from agita ons which include signs including in the party structures. They of voter bribing. should also increase the number of ethnic minority representa ves nominated ● At the public events, the civil servants on electable posi ons at the legisla ve should refrain from distribu ng presents bodies. to the popula on. ● The poli cal par es should make eff orts to ● The local, as well as central government develop capaci es of appointed members should refrain from increasing the fi nancing of the precinct and district elec on for social care or large infrastructure commissions (as well as representa ves) projects in the pre-elec on period. that would help perform their du es of elec on administra on successfully. ● The poli cal subjects should strengthen the eff orts of their regional offi ces/ ● The poli cal subjects should conduct broad headquarters in the minority populated and in-depth dialogue with ethnic minority areas and make the best use of the local voters and give broader refl ec on to their resources. In addi on, they should help problems, needs and challenges in their to raise the quan ta ve and qualita ve programmes and main policy documents. level of engagement of ethnic minority

46 ELECTIONS MONITORING PROGRAM FINAL REPORT

MEDIA COVERAGE

Imedi

Georgian Public Broadcaster

GDS TV

Maestro

TV Pirveli

Liberali

Tabula Interpressnews

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