The election administration reminds the stakeholders of the regulations concerning observation at polling stations and the rules on photo and video recording. In this regard, the spokesperson of the Central Election Commission, Natia Ioseliani, delivered a briefing.

“Tomorrow, on October 4, the regular elections of municipal bodies will be held. Unfortunately, during the previous elections, multiple instances were recorded in which certain stakeholders carried out observation of electoral procedures, photo and video recording, as well as the processing of voters’ personal data in violation of the law. Such actions contributed, among other things, to the speculative raising of issues concerning the secrecy of the vote. Therefore, we once again remind the public and all stakeholders of the fundamental importance of safeguarding personal data protection.

Electoral legislation, as well as the legal framework on personal data protection, prohibits the photographing, video recording, or any other form of processing of information or data that does not fall within the category of public information. It is strictly forbidden to record voters, to photograph, film, or otherwise process a voter’s identity document, the data displayed on the voter verification device, the verification receipt issued by the voter verification device confirming the voter’s verification, or the choice made by the voter on the ballot paper.

Furthermore, individuals authorized to be present within the polling station may, in accordance with established procedures and without obstructing the electoral process, conduct photo and video recording; however, audio monitoring is not permitted.

We remind the public that, following the examination of the aforementioned incidents, the election administration, as the institution responsible for overseeing the electoral process, adopted legal measures aimed at preventing similar types of speculation and conduct in the future. Additionally, a cover was added to the ballot slot of the vote-counting device to enhance procedural safeguards. The cover, together with previously existing mechanisms, leaves no room for speculation regarding the secrecy of the vote. In other instances, any discussion of the secrecy principle would constitute a deliberate campaign aimed at undermining the electoral process.

Accordingly, we urge all stakeholders to comply with the legislation and to contribute to conducting the electoral process in a calm and free environment”, - said Natia Ioseliani.