Press Release

28 October, 2018

Opening and Setting Up of Polling Stations The International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) is monitoring the October 28, 2018 Presidential Elections in all electoral districts around Georgia. ISFED Observation Mission consists of 800 short-term observers deployed at precincts, 73 observers deployed at district electoral commissions and 78 mobile groups. PVT and Incident Centers are o in the central office with 15 operators and 10 lawyers.

ISFED’s observation of the Presidential Elections is based on the Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) methodology, which enables us to timely detect violations, systematically evaluate the entire Election Day process and verify the accuracy of the official election results.

In this statement, ISFED presents information about opening of polling stations and commencement of voting.

Key Findings

Almost all ISFED observers had the opportunity to access and monitor their polling stations. However, several cases were identified of interrupting observer’s right to monitor the election process. One case of an attempt to pressure upon observer was identified.

Based on the information provided by ISFED observers, the opening and setting up process at the majority of polling stations took place without substantial violations. However, cases of procedural violation of casting of lots and inadequate handling of electoral documentation was observed at several polling stations.

Party activists and so-called “coordinators” are mobilized at polling stations. They meet voters before entering the PECs in order to record voters in their list. ISFED observers identified cases of inappropriate communication, including cases where party activists were campaigning and telling voters to bring supporters. Representatives of certain non-governmental organizations were using similar methods. Attempting to pressure voters is a threat to their rights. We call upon political parties, electoral subjects and candidates, as well as other organizations to immediately stop attempting to influence voters in front of the polling stations.

At the moment of the statement, ISFED has filed 21 complaints at the Precinct Electoral Commissions (PECs) and 9 complaints at the District Electoral Commissions (DECs).

Detailed Information from the PVT

ISFED has received reports on the opening of polling stations from 99.5% of PVT observers.

Almost all of ISFED observers were free to observe the opening process of the polling stations. This matches the same data from 2013 Presidential Elections (99.8%).

98.5% % of the polling stations were ready to receive voters by 8:00am, this is a slight improvement compared to the same data from 2013 Presidential Elections (95.7%).

Violations

In the evening of October 27, ISFED observer was informed about the facts of alleged pressure on voters in Lagodekhi. The citizens of the village Tsodniskari, Nunu Jorjadze and Tedo Khachiashvili, whose family members are military servicemen, allegedly accused “Georgian Dream's” coordinators - Nano Lomidze and Ia Jokhadze of pressuring them. Jorjadze says that Lomidze and Jokhadze came to their family and said they should vote for Salome Zourabichvili. If they do not vote for her, they threatened that her son, who is a military serviceman, would have had “problems.” Jorjadze also said that the representatives of "Georgian Dream" told her to say the same to Khachiashvili's family and to warn him as well. Two family members of Khachiashvili family are military servicemen.

In addition, cases of the alleged pressure upon voter were reported to ISFED observers on the night before the elections in Gurjaani and Dedoplistskaro.

As of now, ISFED observers have reported following violations:

Violations identified during opening the polling stations

Alleged attempt to influence the voters’ will

• Several cases of mobilization of party activists/representatives and so-called “coordinators” are observed near polling stations in different municipalities. At the polling station #2 of the election district #12 (Gurjaani); at the polling station #1, #4, #14 and #59 of the election district #67; at the polling station #12 of the election district #19 (Tianeti), at the polling station #6 and #52 of the election district #79 (Batumi), at the polling station #29 of the election district #57 (Tkibuli), at the polling station #7 of the election district #11 (Sagaredjo); at the polling stations #24 and #25 of the election district #17 (Telavi). These persons check the identity of voters and are campaigning. Among them are representatives of self-government bodies and certain non- governmental organizations. Cases of demanding that voter bring people to vote were observed in Sagaredjo and Batumi. The voter answered that he/she already brought people to vote and also will bring one more voter to vote. This is mainly done in favor of the ruling party “Georgian Dream”. • At the polling station #2, #8 and #26 of the election district #62, persons with the observer’s documentation from “Georgian Barristers and Lawyers International Observatory” are sitting in the cars near polling station, they have lists and simultaneously they are campaigning in favor of Salome Zurabichvili.

Alleged pressure upon observer • At the polling station #8 of the election district #11, the policeman asked the ISFED’s observer, which organization they were representing and also to present their personal information. After he found out that the observer was from Sagaredjo district he told them “you are from Sagaredjo and my advice is not to be too strict”.

Limiting the rights of observers

• At the District Electoral Commission #49 (Terjola), ISFED observer was not allowed to be present in the room where members of the Commission were working. The Chair of the Commission told them to leave the room and sit in the meeting room, which was empty. • At the polling station #6 of the election district #60 (Ozurgeti), ISFED’s observers were restricted to enter the polling station, with the motive that they were late and the secretary of the Commission did not have time to register them. After allowing observers to enter the station, the Commission’s secretary pointed at the particular place from where they were to observe the election process. The incident is a restriction of free movement at the polling station. • At the polling station #47 of the election district #56 (Tchiatura), ISFED’s observer was not allowed to enter the polling station until 8am. • At the polling station #10 of the election district #70 (Poti), the chair of the Commission restricted the right of the authorized persons at the polling station to take photo and video, saying that only media has the right to take photo and video. • At the polling station #38 of the election district #30 (Kaspi), ISFED’s observer was not allowed to make an entry in the record book.

Procedural violation of casting of lots

• At the polling station #20 of the election district #60 (Ozurgeti), the member of the Commission refused to exercise the function allocated to them by casting of lots. The chair of the Commission assigned other member of the Commission to perform the task without properly casting lots again. • At the polling station #4 of the election district #70 (Poti), the member of the Commission from the “European Georgia” refused to participate in casting of lots. • At the polling station #9 of the election district #9 (Didube), after the casting of lots, two representatives from “Georgian Dream” were chosen to accompany the mobile ballot box. One of them refused to accompany the box, while representatives of other parties refused to participate in casting of lots for mobile ballot box. The Chair of the Commission was going to cancel casting of a vote through mobile ballot box, however, after filing the complaint by the observer the chair casted of lots again and revealed the second person to accompany the mobile ballot box. • At the polling station #7 of the election district #83 (Khelvachauri), the member of the Commission changed the task allocated by casting of lots. After ISFED’s observer pointed to this incident, the chair of the Commission casted lots again. • At the polling station #10 of the election district #1 (Mtatsminda), two members of the Commission, representing the ruling party were allocated to accompany the mobile ballot box after casting of lots. Later the chair of the Commission decided to change one of the member of the commission.

Inaccurate filling in of the ballot box control sheet

• At the polling station #85 of the election district #3 (Saburtalo), the ballot box control sheet was placed in the main ballot box before receiving the first voter at the station. Consequently, the information about the first voter was not indicated on the control sheet. • At the polling station #59 of the election district #59 (Kutaisi), information regarding the first voter and their signature was not indicated in the ballot box control sheet.

Violation of inking procedure • At the polling station #38 of the election district #30 (Kaspi), a voter was not inked. The incident was resolved after the ISFED observer pointed out the problem. • At the polling station #22 of the election district #63 (Abasha), a voter was allowed to enter the station without being properly checked for ink.

Failing to check voter identification documentation:

• At the polling station #65 of the election district #22 (Marneuli), the registrar allowed the voter to vote without checking their identification documentats. • At the polling station #24 of the election district #2 (Vake), the first voter was allowed to vote without being properly checked for ink and without verification of his personal information. The ballot box control sheet was filled as well. Voter’s personal information was verified only after these procedures were conducted and it was revealed that he/she was not registered at that station.

Improper issuance of the envelope • At the polling station #10 of the election district #2 (Vake), the envelope was given to a voter by a supervisor of the ballot box, before the voter entered the cabin.

Improper signing in the voter list

• At the polling station #51 of the election district #67 (Zugdidi), the registrar incorrectly signed in the list next to another voter’s signature.

Improper placing of the ballot in the ballot box

• At the polling station #59 of the election district #59 (Kutaisi), a voter placed the ballot in the ballot box without the envelope.

Late opening of the polling station

• At the polling station #32 of the election district #81 was opened late, because ballots were incorrectly printed. Specifically, candidate with number “51” had number “5” on the ballot paper, also instead of “48” it was written “18”. Voting process continues at the polling station despite the fact that ballot papers were not correctly printed. ISFED appealed the District Election Commission to stop the voting process at the polling station.

Presence of unauthorized persons at the polling station

• At the polling station #19 of the election district #28 (Dusheti), a member of the parliament was present at the polling station without being properly checked and he/she was not a registered voter at that specific station.

ISFED reminds voters to have one of the following documents with them to be able to participate in the elections: Georgian citizen ID card or Passport of a citizen of Georgia.

ISFED reminds voters that voting is secret and pressure on voters and control of free will is a criminal offense. Also, in order to detect voter’s choice, it is enough that voter indicates support to a particular candidate on the ballot paper. If a voter is asked to cast a vote in a certain way and take a photo of it, voter can then cross the first choice (or cross all candidates) and chose the candidate they want to vote for with a different mark.

ISFED calls upon all eligible voters in Georgia to go to the polls and express their free will by voting in favor of a candidate of their choice.

ISFED allows citizens to follow the election process online via Elections Portal – www.electionsportal.ge, where election violations are immediately posted on the elections map. In addition, anyone can report violation of the electoral process by sending a text to a toll-free number 90039.

ISFED will release its next statement at 15:00

ISFED Observation Mission is made possible with the generous support from the American people, by financial support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The Election Day mission is also supported by the Federal Foreign Office of Germany and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). The views expressed in this statement belong solely to the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy and may not necessarily reflect the views of USAID, the United States Government, the Federal Republic of Germany, or NED.

Press Release

28 October, 2018

Voting process and Voter Turnout by 15:00

The International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) is monitoring the October 28, 2018 Presidential Elections in all electoral districts around Georgia. ISFED Observation Mission consists of 800 short-term observers deployed at precincts, 73 observers deployed at district electoral commissions and 78 mobile groups. PVT and Incident Centers are operating in the central office staffed with 15 operators and 10 lawyers.

In this statement, ISFED presents information about voter turnout as of 12:00 and any violations that have been reported by this time.

Key Findings

ISFED observers identified an important trend of party activists’ attempt to influence voters’ will outside the stations, specifically in the way of writing down the information of which voters came to the station. There was one case where voters were being mobilized through mini-buses. At this moment, ISFED’s observers identified similar incidents at 40 polling stations. Mobilized activists are mostly representatives of the Georgian Dream, however in certain election districts representatives of the United National Movement are also mobilized outside of polling stations.

Restriction of observers’ rights were observed at certain polling stations. In other cases violations were mostly of procedural character. One case of physical confrontation was also observed.

At the moment of the statement ISFED has filed 35 complaints at the Precinct Electoral Commissions (PECs) and 27 complaints filed at the District Electoral Commissions (DECs).

Voter Turnout by 12:00 (PVT Results)

According to ISFED, voter turnout by 12:00 is 16.0%, (with a margin of error of +/-0.5 %), which is slightly lower compared to 2013 Presidential Elections when voter turnout by 12:00 was 17.2%.

In Tbilisi, the voter turnout was 13.2%, (with a margin of error (+/-0.4%) while turnout at noon during 2013 Presidential election was 15.8%.

In regions (except of Tbilisi) voter turnout was 17.1% (with a margin of error +/-0.5 %) whereas in 2013 Presidential Elections voter turnout by 12:00 in regions was 17.7%.

PVT analysis allows us to calculate the average time it takes for a polling station to process a voter. According to the information recorded by the PECs, in 92.0% of polling stations, the commission processed, on average, one voter or less per minute, while in 7.8 % of polling stations the commission processed 1-2 voters per minute and in 0.2% of polling stations - more than 2 voters per minute.

Violations

As of now, ISFED observers have reported following violations:

Alleged attempt to influence the voters’ will

• At the polling station #2, #5, #29 and #31 of the election district #54 (Tkibuli), activists representing Salome Zurabichvili and “Georgian Dream” are checking voters at the station with their lists. The incidents are taking place both: outside of the polling stations and also inside the building, where the station is located. At one of the polling stations members of the Municipal Assembly representing the “Georgian Dream” were present. The incident of verbal confrontation was identified between the representatives of the “Georgian Dream” and “European Georgia”. • Mobilization of party activists/representatives and so-called “coordinators” continues near polling stations. At this moment similar incidents were identified at the polling station #3 and #5 of the election district #50 (Sachkhere); at the polling station #45 of the election district #17 (Telavi). • At the polling station #4 and #5 of the election district #35 (Khashuri), and at the polling station #29 of the election district #49 (Terjola), representatives of the “Georgian Dream” are mobilized and are checking which voters arrive at the stations. • At the polling station #38 of the election district #60 (Ozurgeti), voters were brought by mini-vans to the polling station, allegedly this was organized by the representatives of the “Georgian Dream”. • At the polling station #8 of the election district #14 (Dedoplistskaro), three women are standing in front of the polling station with notebooks and lists. When asked by an observer who they are representing, one of them answered that she represents campaign of Salome Zurabichvili. They are writing down which voters arrive at the polling stations. • At the polling station #9 election district #11 representative of “Industry will save Georgia” allegedly received a call from a coordinator who was standing outside of the polling station, and was told that at that moment 90 voters had arrived and 70 of them are “theirs”. Also, the coordinator expressed his/her worries regarding low turn-out. • At the polling stations #48, #77, #78 and #26 of the election district #79 (Batumi) and polling station #47 of the election district #51 (Zestaponi) people are mobilized in front of polling stations. Allegedly among these people are representatives of the “Georgian Dream” and the “United National Movement”. • At the polling stations #31, #81, #66, #23, #48 of the election district #79 (Batumi) cases were observed where representatives of the “United National Movement” were standing with the commission member responsible for managing the line of voters waiting to vote and were checking the voters' identity documentations in the database by online application.

Cases of verbal and physical confrontation:

• At the polling station #9 of the election district #79 (Batumi) case of confrontation was observed between the representatives of the “United National Movement” (Murman Dumbadze, Levan Antadze and Levan Vashalomidze) and a “Georgian Dream” coordinator. Specifically, the

coordinator of the “Georgian Dream” was in his car, when representatives of the “United National Movement” approached him and started recording a video of alleged voter checking. Coordinator of “Georgian Dream” expressed protest against recording and snatched an accreditation from one of the representatives of the “United National Movement”, this incident was followed by verbal confrontation. Later, while giving a statement to the police, the coordinator of the “Georgian Dream” stated that representative of the “United National Movement” hit his foot at the car, but later, changed his statement and said that not only the representative of the “United National Movement” hit the car, but also assaulted him physically. The incident does not have any other witnesses.

Limiting the rights of observers

• At the polling station #56 of the election district #5 (Isani), authorized persons at the station were restricted in their ability to take photo and video. The incident was resolved after the ISFED observer pointed out the problem. • At the polling stations #15 and #72 of the election district #22 (Marneuli), the two chairs of the Commission unlawfully restricted the observer’s right to record a video.

Violation of inking procedure • At the polling station #12 of the election district #4 (Krtsanisi), the commission member responsible for managing the line of voters failed to check the ink of two voters. • At the polling station #9 of the election district #65 (Martvili), the commission member responsible for managing the line of voters allowed a person already inked to cast a vote.

Procedural violations related to ballot papers

• At the polling station #35 of the election district #1 (Mtatsminda), the registrar gave two ballot papers to the voter, consequently the number of issued ballot papers will be more than signatures in the voting list. • At the polling station #20 of the election district #49 (Terjola), during the count of signatures the registrar found out that number of issued ballot papers is one figure more than signatures in the voting list. • At the polling station #19 of the election district #67 (Zugdidi), registrar verified five ballot paper with signature and a stamp in advance. The incident was stopped after observer pointed it out. • At the polling station #6 of the election district #58 (Tskaltubo) the registrar failed to verify the ballot paper with signature and stamp, the voter noticed the incident only after entering in the cabin. The ballot paper was properly verified after voter asked the registrar to do so. • At the polling station #20 of the election district #59 (Kutaisi), voter placed the ballot paper into the ballot box without an envelope.

Presence of anauthorized persons at the polling station

• At the polling station #30 of the election district #11 (Sagaredjo), unauthorized persons were present. Incident was resolved after chair asked them to leave the station. • At the polling station #13 of the election district #22 (Marneuli), there was case of confrontation between the member of the Municipality Assembly, Ali Muradov and ano bserver. Allegedly the Ali Muradov threatened the observer and the members of the commission. According to one of the observers, Ali Muradov was saying “You will see who am I after 8pm.”

Error in the voters list

• At the polling station #3 of the election district #8 (Didube), four persons who believed they were registered at that polling station, were not in the voting list and consequently did not manage to cast a vote.

ISFED reminds voters to have one of the following documents with them to be able to participate in the elections: Georgian citizen ID card and Passport of a citizen of Georgia.

ISFED calls upon all eligible voters in Georgia to go to the polls and express their free will by voting in favor of a candidate of their choice.

ISFED reminds voters that voting is secret and pressure on voters and control of free will is a criminal offense.

ISFED will release its next statement at 19:00

Press Release

28 October, 2018

Voting Process by 19:00

In this statement, ISFED presents information about voter turnout as of 17:00 and any violations that have been reported by this time.

Key Findings

According to ISFED observers, the disturbing trend of mobilization of party activists still continues and is happening across the districts. These activists are noting which voters go to the stations. This method is mostly used by the activists of the Georgian Dream, however, in some cases representatives of the United National Movement were also using similar tactics.

Voting process itself is taking place in a rather calm environment. However there are cases of certain procedural violations, namely regarding ballot papers.

At the moment of the statement ISFED has filed 48 complaints at the Precinct Electoral Commissions (PECs) and 43 complaints filed at the District Electoral Commissions (DECs).

Voter Turnout by 17:00 (PVT Results)

According to ISFED, voter turnout by 17:00 is 38.1%, (with a margin of error of (+/- 0.8%), which is statistically similar to the 2013 Presidential Elections when voter turnout by 17:00 was 38.9%.

Voter turnout in Tbilisi by 17:00 was 35.8%, while during 2013 Presidential elections turnout by 17:00 was 39.8%.

In regions (except of Tbilisi) voter turnout was 38.9%, whereas in 2013 Presidential Elections voter turnout by 17:00 in regions was 38.4%.

PVT analysis allows us to calculate the average time it takes for a polling station to process a voter. According to the information recorded by the PECs, in 74.5% of polling stations, the commission

processed, on average, one voter per minute, while in 25.2% of polling stations the commission processed 1-2 voters per minute and in 0.3% of polling stations – more than 2 voters.

Violations

As of now, ISFED observers have reported following violations:

Alleged attempt to influence the voters’ will

• At the polling station #1, #30, #24, #25 and #26 of the election district #15 (Lagodekhi), at the polling station #60 of the election district #15 (Tskaltubo), at the polling station #26 of the election district #52 (Baghdati), the coordinators of the “Georgian Dream” are noting the voter activity. At the polling station #1, #29, #19 and #20 of the election district #16 (Kvareli), coordinators are writing down voters information and simultaneously are campaigning for Salome Zurabichvili. • At the polling station #5 of the election district #60 (Ozurgeti), while ISFED’s observer was taking photos and videos of activists sitting in the mini-vans near the station, one of the activists from “Georgian Dream” started quarrelling with them in an aggressive manner. Situation was neutralized by involvement of the member of the campaign of the “Georgian Dream”, Besik Melua. • ISFED’s mobile group visited 17 polling station in Senaki election district. They identified cases of mobilization of coordinators from the ruling party, “Georgian Dream,” as well as from the “United National Movement.”

Campaigning at the polling station

• At the polling station #34 of the election district #47 (Mestia), campaign poster of Salome Zurabichvili was on the wall. It was removed after ISFED’s observer pointed at the fact.

Limitation of observers’ rights

• At the polling station #85 of the election district #22 (Marneuli), observer was restricted in their ability to take photo and video.

Presence of unauthorized persons at the polling station

• At the polling station #85 of the election district #22 (Marneuli) unauthorized persons are allowed to enter the station and are interrupting the voting process. The commission member responsible for managing the line of voters is not carefully checking who is entering the station.

Violation of secrecy of vote

• At the polling station #53 of the polling station #22 (Marneuli), the voter was accompanied in the cabin by the representative of the monitoring organization “21st Century.” Chair reacted to the incident after the observer pointed out the problem.

Procedural violations related to ballot papers

• At the polling station #83 of the election district #9 (Nadzaladevi), while placing the ballot paper in the envelope the voter found that there was already a ballot paper in that envelope. • At the polling station #33 of the election district #3 (Saburtalo), members of the Commission accompanying the mobile ballot box were given 12 ballot papers. Vote was casted by 9 voters,

however Commission members brought back only 2 ballot papers instead of 3, stating that they lost one ballot paper. • At the polling station #37 of the election district #79 (Batumi), members of the Commission accompanying the mobile ballot box were given 9 ballot papers. However, six voters cast ballots, but only 2 were brought back instead of three. • At the polling station #28 of the election district #44 (Ambrolauri), the registrar issued more than one ballot paper to a voter. • At the polling station #56 of the election district #5 (Isani), the voter placed the ballot paper in the ballot box without an envelope, while members of the commission were occupied by changing responsibilities for managing the line of voters waiting to vote. • At the polling station #7 of the election district #30 (Kaspi) and polling station #24 of the election district #49 (Terjola), the voter placed the ballot paper in the ballot box without an envelope.

Voting instead of other voter

• At the polling station #75 of the election district #32 (Gori), a voter was not in the voter list, however, he/she was allowed by the chair to sign the list for a different voter and therefore, was able to cast a vote.

Voting with improper documentation

• At the polling station #31 of the election district #67 (Zugdidi), the voter was allowed to cast a vote after presenting only a copy of their identity card instead of the original card.

Voting without proper inking

• At the polling station #19 of the election district #67 (Zugdidi), the registrar failed to properly ink several voters.

Inadequate handling of electoral documentation • At the polling station #10 of the election district #52 (Baghdati), voters, who were to vote by mobile ballot box, were not properly indicated in the voters’ list at the registrar’s table.

Violations regarding signatures in the voters list

• At the polling station #24 of the election district #49 (Terjola), the registrar failed to ensure the proper signing in the voters list by a voter. • At the polling station #30 of the election district #27 (Mtskheta), the registrar failed to ensure the proper signing in the voters list by a voter. • At the polling station #17 of the election district #7 (Chughureti) and the polling station #30 of the election district #3 (Saburtalo), two voters found their places in the voters list were already signed by someone else.

ISFED reminds voters to have one of the following documents with them to be able to participate in the elections: Georgian citizen ID card or Passport of a citizen of Georgia.

ISFED calls upon all eligible voters in Georgia to go to the polls and express their free will by voting in favor of a candidate of their choice.

ISFED reminds voters that voting is secret and pressure on voters and control of free will is a criminal offense.

ISFED will release its next statement at 22:00

Press Release

28 October, 2018

Voting Process and Closing of Polling Station

In this statement, ISFED presents its assessment of the voting process and closing of polling stations based on the information provided by 99.0% of PVT observers.

Key Findings

Based on the analysis of the information received through PVT, ISFED concludes that the voting process was mostly conducted without significant violations. However, throughout the voting process different kinds of procedural violations were reported, such as limiting the rights of observers; violation of inking procedure; procedural violations related to ballot papers; presence of unauthorized persons at the polling station; errors related to the voters list; voting instead of another person; campaigning at the polling station. Also separate cases of verbal and physical violations were identified.

During the Election Day ISFED observers identified the disturbing trend of mobilization of party activists nearby polling stations, who were noting which voters went to the stations. These cases might have a negative effect on the expression of the voters’ free will and might be perceived by voters as indirect pressure on them. This kind of method was mostly used by activists of the Georgian Dream. However, in certain election districts similar activities by representatives of the “United National Movement”, as well as “European Georgia” were observed. ISFED observers also identified several cases of Georgian Dream activists campaigning and demanding voters to bring more supporters. There were also cases where representatives of some non-governmental organizations were using similar tactics.

At this time, ISFED observers have filed 61 complaints with Precinct Electoral Commissions (PECs) and 62 complaints with District Electoral Commissions (DECs).

Detailed Information from the PVT

• At 99.7% of polling stations in Georgia, voters cast their ballots using proper voter identification. This figure is almost identical to the 2013 Presidential Elections (98%). • Inking was always properly checked at 97.1% of polling stations, which is an improvement compared to the 2013 Presidential Elections, when inking was checked at 94.4% of polling stations. 1

• At 99.1% of polling stations, the ballot papers were properly validated with a signature and seal. This figure is not different from 2013 Presidential Elections (99.1%). • At 98.6% of polling stations, voters were always properly inked. This figure is not statistically significantly different from 2013 Presidential Elections when voters were properly inked at 97.4% of polling stations. • The secrecy of vote was always ensured at 98.6% of the polling stations. This figure is slightly improved compared to 2013 Presidential Elections (96.4%). • Different cases of physical pressure or threats during the voting process were identified at 0.8% of the polling stations.

Violations

After 17:00 ISFED’s observers reported following violations:

Limitation of observers’ rights

• At the polling station #93 of the election district #10 (Gldani), the observer was not allowed to register a complaint by the secretary of the Commission.

Violation of secrecy of vote

• At the polling station #4 of the election district #38 (Adigeni), the voter casted a vote outside of the booth, despite the fact that he/she was pointed not to do so by the Chair.

Campaigning at the polling station

• At the polling station #11 of the election district #12 (Gurjaani), the observer of the “Former Prisoners for Human Rights” was campaigning and urging the voters to vote for the candidate of the “Georgian Dream”. • At the polling station #91 of the election district #3 (Saburtalo), the member of the Commission was making political statements.

Procedural violations related to ballot papers

• At the polling station #91 of the election district #3 (Saburtalo), the voter placed a ballot paper in the ballot box without an envelope. • At the polling station #34 of the election district #37 (Akhaltsikhe), after counting of signatures by the registrar, it was discovered that number of issued ballot papers was one figure more than signatures. • At the polling station #102 of the election district #79 (Batumi), the registrar issued one more ballot papers to the voter. • At the polling station #37 of the election district #83 (Khelvachauri), 41 voters were able to cast a vote using mobile ballot box. Members of the Commission accompanying the ballot box were issued 50 ballot papers. After completion of casting of votes, members of the Commission brought back 8 ballot papers, instead of nine.

Inadequate handling of electoral documentation • At the polling stations #6 and #25 of the election district #52 (Baghdati), voters who were voting through mobile ballot box were not indicated in any of the registrars’ voting lists.

• At the polling station #86 of the election district #67 (Zugdidi), the secretary of the Commission changed data in the demonstration protocol.

Errors related to the voters list

• At the polling station #36 of the election district #67 (Zugdidi), the voter found a signature in the voting list alongside his/her name. • At the polling station #54 of the election district #8 (Didube), the members of the Commission accompanying the mobile ballot box have taken the special list alongside with the mobile ballot box list, the incident was revealed only after the mobile ballot box was brought back at the station. • At the polling station #45 of the election district #67 (Zugdidi), the family member of a voter, was allowed to cast a vote instead of the registered voter by the member of the Commission accompanying the mobile ballot box. • At the polling station #93 of the election district #10 (Gldani), the registrar failed to put their signature in the list.

Interruption of the work of election commission

• Case of verbal confrontation was reported between the Chair of the Vake District Electoral Commission, Tamaz Poladashvili and the representative of the “United National Movement”, Konstantine Ioseliani. The latter was recording a video of the ongoing process at the district, with a few persons accompanying him. As the chair of the DEC said, they could not identify these persons, as they did not present adequate accreditation. After their arrival, a verbal confrontation between the Chair and Konstantine Ioseliani was going in the corridor of the building where DEC is situated. The Chair forced these persons out of the PEC’s building, however, the representative of the “Civil Platform – New Georgia” at the Vake District Electoral Commission, David Nebieridze did not obey to the decision of the Chair, who consequently, called the police. The police then removed the David Nebieridze from the building.

ISFED will announce information regarding the results after completion of counting of votes, summing up the results and analysis of received information.

ISFED will issue next statement tomorrow, 29 October

Press Release

28 October, 2018

Election Day Final PVT Results

The International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) was monitoring the October 28, 2018 Presidential Elections in all electoral districts across Georgia. ISFED Observation Mission consists of 800 short-term-observers deployed at precincts, 73 observers deployed at district electoral commissions and 78 mobile groups. PVT and Incident Centers operated in the central office staffed with 15 operators and 10 lawyers. ISFED thanks every observer involved in the Observation Mission.

ISFED’s observation of the Presidential Elections was based on the Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) methodology, which enabled us to timely detect violations, systematically evaluate the entire Election Day process and verify the accuracy of the official election results.

Key Conclusions

Based on the ISFED PVT data, we can conclude that the tabulation of votes was mostly conducted in compliance with election procedures. Similarly to the voting process, number of violations were reported during counting of votes, such as: improper filling of summary protocols, restriction of the rights of observers, number of issued ballot papers not matching number of signatures in the voters list, violation of sealing procedure of election materials. In some precincts ballots that indicated voter’s choices have been improperly invalidated.

ISFED observers have filed 73 complaints with Precinct Electoral Commissions (PECs) and 82 complaints with District Electoral Commissions (DECs).

PVT findings

Based on PVT reports from ISFED observers, voter turnout was 46.6% (with margin of error +/- 0.8%), which is similar to the 2013 Presidential Elections when final turnout was 47.0%.

Presence of unauthorized persons was reported in the 0.6% of the polling stations.

Election Day Results

Based on the information received about the Election Day process, ISFED is confident in its PVT results. ISFED received information from 99.0% of its observers.

We present the top seven candidates based on information received from 99.0% of polling stations using the established PVT (random sampling of polling stations) methodology. For each result the margin of error is listed in the table below and is calculated at a 95% confidence level.

Lowest Margin of Highest Candidate PVT result Possible error Possible Result Result #5 Grigol Vashadze 38.5% 1.0% 37.5% 39.5%

#48 Salome Zourabichvili 37.6% 0.9% 36.7% 38.5%

#2 Davit Bakradze 11.0% 0.5% 10.5% 11.5%

#10 Shalva Natelashvili 3.8% 0.2% 3.6% 4.0%

#25 Davit Usupashvili 2.3% 0.2% 2.1% 2.5%

#36 Zura Japaridze 2.2% 0.2% 2.0% 2.4%

#21 Kakha Kukava 1.3% 0.1% 1.2% 1.4%

PVT results for every other candidates is less than 1%.

Based on PVT results, ISFED is confident that none of the candidates cleared the 50%+1 threshold in the Presidential Elections of 28 of October. Therefore, the winner of the Presidential Elections will be revealed in the second round of elections, which will be held between Grigol Vashadze and Salome Zurabichvili.

It is noteworthy that percentage of votes received by Grigol Vashadze varies between 37.5% and 39.5%, while percentage of votes received by Salome Zurabichvili is between 36.7% and 38.5%. Statistically, it is equally likely for a candidate’s result to be at any point within these intervals. As the two intervals overlap, ISFED cannot definitively say which of the two candidates is ahead.

According to ISFED, the percentage of invalid ballots for the country is 3.2% with a margin of error of 0.2%, which is higher than to the 2013 Presidential Elections when it was 1.8%.

Violations observed by ISFED at the time of the statement

ISFED’s observers reported following violations:

Restriction of the rights of observer • At the polling station #36 of the election district #66 (Zugdidi), observer was not allowed by the Secretary to make the remark in the logbook. • At the DEC #49 (Terjola), quarrelling and shouting was heard from the room of the Chair of the Commission, where members of the Commission had convened. ISFED observer was not able to observe the incident and to find out what was happening, as he was not allowed to enter the room and the whole process was not transparent.

Number of issued ballot papers exceeding number of signatures in the voters list • At the polling station #21 of the election district #9 (Nadzaladevi), at the polling station #29 of the election district #80 (Keda), at the polling station #8 of the election district #7 (Chughureti) and at the polling station #3 of the election district #37 (Akhaltsikhe), number of issued ballot papers was exceeding the number of signatures in the voters list by one. • At the abroad polling station #13 (Berlin) number of issued ballot papers exceeded number of signatures in the voters list by one.

Violation of sealing procedure of election materials • At the polling station #25 of the election district #4 (Ktrsanisi) unused and damaged ballot papers were sealed together. • At the polling station #10 of the election district #2 (Vake) unused ballot papers were sealed without cutting off their corners in prior.

Procedural violations related to ballot papers • At the polling station #34 of the election district #37 (Akhaltsikhe) two ballot papers on which voters will was evident were deemed as invalid. • At the polling station #48 of the election district #6 (Samgori) up to 30 ballot papers on which voters will was evident were deemed as invalid. • At the polling station #15 of the election district #20 (Rustavi), 3 ballot papers on which voters will was evident were deemed as invalid. • At the polling station #30 of the election district #12 (Gurjaani), 12 ballot papers were not validated by the signature of registrars.

Violations related to signatures in voters list • At the polling station #43 of the #2 (Vake) voter was allowed to sign the voters list instead of a relative.

Improper filling of summary protocol • At the polling station #32 of the election district #49 (Terjola) according to the summary protocol, number of signatures is 477 and number of the issued ballot papers is 475. However, according to the explanatory note of the registrar, s/he issued one additional ballot paper to the voter. The explanatory note and voting results are contradictory to each other. • At the polling station #25 of the election district #37 (Akhatsikhe) summary protocol was not validated with a stamp. • At the polling station #40 of the election district #35 (Khashuri) summary protocol was not validated with a stamp and date of its drawing is missing. • At the polling station #16 of the election district #59 (Kutaisi) data is incorrectly submitted in the summary protocol. Specifically, number of invalid ballot papers (27) is indicated in the result field of one of the candidates, Temur Shashiashvili, whose results of counting of votes (35) is indicated in the field of another candidate.

Inadequate handling of electoral documentation • At the polling stations #5, #14, #36, #45 and #46 of the election district #8 (Didube) control sheets were missing signature of the Commission Chairperson. Incident was only revealed after election material was handed over to the DEC. • At the polling station #4 of the election district #8 (Didube) PEC log of registration was missing from election materials handed over to the DEC.

Cases of verbal confrontation • Since at the DEC #8 (Didube) election materials were brought improperly sealed and/or some documents were missing, verbal confrontation ensued between representatives of the United National Movement and the members of the Commission. Allegedly, representatives/activists of the Georgian Dream also got involved in the confrontation. As a result, police was called at the DEC. • At the DEC #40 (Akhaltsikhe) case of verbal confrontation was reported between representatives of the United National Movement and the Chairperson. As a result, police was called at the DEC.