Insufficient Ballot Papers and Voters with National Movement’s Invitation Cards

Mari Tabidze, Tskaltubo

On October 1, eight election subjects were registered in the Tskaltubo DEC # 58. Total number of voters was 53 846 and 68 polling stations were open throughout the district. IDPs participated in the elections in six polling stations where 3 389 voters were registered. One more polling station with the registered 488 voters was opened in Geguti Prison.

Tskaltubo DEC received 48 100 ballot papers from the Central Election Commission though 53 846 voters were registered there – so there were 5 746 ballot papers lacked in the DEC. “We did not touch sealed up ballot papers. CEC sent those papers sealed up and counted for each PS and we sent them to PSs based on the same receipt-acceptance documents. If more people arrive at any polling station and ballot papers are not enough, we will immediately inform the CEC and will act in accordance to their instructions,” Chairwoman of the DEC # 58 Zoia Pantsulaia told Human Rights Center during ongoing polls.

Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association filed a complaint on insufficient number of ballot papers to the DEC but nobody responded to this complaint during the ongoing polling process.

Georgian Dream’s representative Gela Nizharadze at the PS # 21 in Tskaltubo DEC # 58 also complained about insufficient ballot papers.

“We informed the DEC and Coalition about the violation. Similar facts were observed in almost every PS in Tskaltubo where fewer ballot papers were delivered. Besides that, several voters arrived at polling stations with the National Movement’s invitation cards which were distributed by the party coordinators at PS on the Election Day. I want to remind the government that people do not need invitation cards– they will go to vote without their assistance,” Gela Nizharadze said.

First voter arrived at Tskaltubo PS # 67 at exactly 8:00 am. There were 1 050 ballot papers for 1 216 voters in the ps. Representative of the nongovernmental organization Former Political Prisoners for Human Rights video-recorded the polling process at the PS. The polling station was located in one-room flat on the ground floor of five-storied house. The space was not enough. “We could not find alternative place for the polling station. I agree there is very small space here and there is not enough place for observers and political parties’ representatives in it; but what shall we do?!” commission chairperson Irma Kilasonia told humanrights.ge

Besides small space this PS was opened in front of the National Movement’s election HQ. Party activists were observing voters who had arrived at the PS directly from their office.

PS # 13 in Tskaltubo was opened 14 minutes later. Commission chairman Murman Gazdeliani confirmed this fact. “Delay was caused by prolonged preparation procedures because one hour was not enough to prepare.”

Coalition Georgian Dream’s representatives observed mini-bus with state number LBL 611 in the territory of a polling station; election posters of the National Movement were placed on it and it brought voters to the PS.

“Before that, voters were bribed by the National Movement on September 30. We responded to these facts and now we will appeal to the court,” head of Georgian Dream’s Tskaltubo office Nato Katamadze said.