Nino Dolidze, Chairwoman of the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED), has raised alarm over a recent resolution adopted by Georgia’s Central Election Commission (CEC), claiming it severely undermines the transparency of the upcoming elections.
Dolidze claims that the amendments—adopted on Monday—include a particularly concerning clause that prohibits anyone present at polling stations, including observers, from requesting voters’ identification documents. This restriction, she warns, hinders observers’ ability to detect cases of so-called “carousel voting,” a tactic commonly used in election fraud where individuals vote multiple times or impersonate others.
“Yesterday, the Central Election Commission adopted a resolution introducing amendments that significantly restrict the ability to fully observe the voting process,” Dolidze stated. “One particularly troubling provision prohibits any individual authorized to be present at a polling station from requesting a voter’s identity document. This change effectively prevents observers from identifying cases of individuals who are trying to vote on behalf of others.”
ISFED, one of Georgia’s most prominent election monitoring organizations, has called for the immediate reversal of these amendments, citing the potential for increased electoral manipulation and a sharp decline in public trust in the voting process.
The decision comes at a politically sensitive time, with Georgia preparing for key elections amid heightened domestic and international scrutiny. Concerns about democratic backsliding have been growing in recent years, with civil society and Western partners repeatedly urging Georgian authorities to uphold election integrity and ensure free and fair voting conditions.
Observers say the CEC’s move not only reduces transparency but also contradicts the recommendations made by local and international election watchdogs, which have long advocated for stronger—not weaker—monitoring mechanisms.
The CEC has yet to publicly respond to the criticism.
