The Georgians Young Lawyers Association (GYLA) has released a statement on the progress of elections by 14:00. The organization expressed concern about the statement made by one of the leaders of the ruling party, Kakha Kaladze.

“By 14:00, based on reports by GYLA observers, electoral procedures on all observed polling stations are timely and there are no substantial violations. However, there are negative tendencies, related to charged environment and control over voters’ will.

By now, there are cases of physical confrontation at various polling stations of Zugdidi electoral district and adjacent territories. Incidents have occurred at polling stations #9, 95, 97 and #87. GYLA considers that such incidents alienate voters and negatively affects the free expression of voters’ will.

Mobilization of coordinators and supporters near the polling stations also negatively affects the free expression of voters’ will. They are either counting voters on a distance or make photo-video recordings in the process of voters’ arrival to the polling station. Such cases were revealed by GYLA observers in Zugdidi district, polling stations #1 and 4. Although those cases do not represent violation, but they cause discomfort to the voters and creates the feeling of being controlled. Such negative incidents repeat the tendency of the previous elections and has been assessed negatively by both local and international observer missions. The statements made by one of the leaders of the ruling party, Kakha Kaladze, are particularly concerning.

Vote secrecy is being violated in Tskaltubo, where electronic vote count testing is underway. According to the information, provided by GYLA observers, there were a number of technical problems with ballot scanner. In order to resolve the problem, it is necessary to remove the ballot from the equipment, during which it is possible to identify the choice of the voter.

It is notable that in the majority of the polling stations, there is a large number of persons with the observer status, which is a challenge for the election administration. Administration must ensure fair distribution of observer space, in such a way, to prevent obstructing the voting process for the voters.

By now, GYLA observers submitted 5 complaints in Zugdidi district:

- #73 and #75 polling stations – violation of the casting of lots (refusal to participate, refusal to perform allotted duties);

- #10 and #32 polling stations – violation of the voting procedures (voter from the mobile list has voted at the polling station, taking envelope into the booth);

- #108 polling station – presence of unauthorized person at the polling stations (“stringer” – or live reporter of Imedi TV was allowed inside the polling station – at the moment, the problem is resolved)”, reads the NGO’s statement.