The Spokesperson of the Central Election Commission (the CEC), Ekaterine Azarashvili, announced the 12pm turnout number. According to Ms. Azarashvili, 571 123 persons voted by 12 pm, which amounts to 16.65% of total number of voters. In the 2013 Presidential elections, the 12pm turnout figure was 17, 15%.
Ms. Azarashvili also commented on the voters’ list issue and explained that the CEC announced the total number of voters on June 9, and noted that the number of voters was decreased by 43 024, compared to the May 1 data. The CEC also announced that citizens with legally invalid personal identification documents would not be able to vote unless they would reregister before the Elections. Thus, those citizens who were not able to follow these instructions were not included in the data submitted to the CEC by the Ministry of Justice.
Ms. Azarashvili also noted that, the CEC call center (2 51 00 51), online chat and online operator will work for 24 hours and everyone will be able to report election related cases to the election administration.
The Central Election Commission will hold regular news briefings in every 2 hours during the day about voter turnout and the election process in general. The CEC will announce 15.00pm turnout number at the 15.30 pm news briefing.
The CEC Spokesperson urged voters to be active and to participate in the elections.