Openning of polling stations and voting process by ISFED observers

ISFED observers were represented at all electoral precincts in the electoral districts of Zugdidi, Marneuli and Mtatsminda, where they observed through the Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) methodology. The PVT allows immediate identification of violations, systemic evaluation of the Election Day process and verification of accuracy of official results. ISFED observers were free to access and observe almost all polling stations. At majority of electoral precincts, opening of polling stations and the voting process was free from significant violations. However, procedural violations were found at some polling stations. At several precincts of Zugdidi and Marneuli, observer rights were restricted. At Marneuli polling station no.68, in addition to restriction of observer rights, ballot stuffing and several procedural irregularities were found. Physical confrontation and commotion were found at individual polling stations of Marneuli and Zugdidi. In most districts, there was a trend of mobilization of party activists outside polling stations, who in most cases were registering voters that arrived at the polls. ISFED received reports on the opening of polling stations from all (100%) precincts of Mtatsminda and Zugdidi electoral districts and from 98.9% of precincts of Marneuli electoral district. At 100% of electoral precincts in Mtatsminda, at 97.8% in Marneuli and 97.2% in Zugdidi, ISFED observers were free to observe the polling stations. 100% of polling stations in Mtatsminda, 97.8% in Marneuli and 98.1% in Zugdidi were ready to receive voters by 08:00. Restriction of observer rights was detected at several polling stations. At Marneuli electoral precinct no.68, voter registration process lacked transparency, and the registrars were positioned at registration tables in a way that made it impossible to observe the process. The commission chair restricted the right of ISFED observer to monitor the process. At Zugdidi electoral precincts no.44 and no.100, ISFED observers were not admitted on time and allowed to observe comprehensively. At Zugdidi electoral precinct no.70, a commission member restricted the right of ISFED observer to take photos and video. Ballot stuffing was detected at Marneuli electoral precinct no.68, where a voter inserted four ballots in the ballot box and ran out of the PEC possibly with several extra ballots. Commotion at a polling station was found at Zugdidi electoral precinct no.97, where there was a confrontation between the commission chairperson and individuals present at the polling place. Interference with work of an electoral commission was found at Marneuli electoral precinct no.89, where a representative of the European Georgia disrupted the work of the commission. Presence of unauthorized individuals inside a polling station was found at Zugdidi electoral precincts no.1, no.10, no.16, no.44, and no.78. Violation of ballot secrecy was found at Zugdidi electoral precinct no.63 and Marneuli electoral precinct no.84.