TBILISI: Georgia’s Central Election Commission (CEC) reported a voter turnout of 9.27 percent by 10 a.m. in the nation’s parliamentary elections, highlighting varying turnout rates across different regions. The elections, which began at 8 a.m., are set to conclude at 8 p.m., with a total of 3,508,294 eligible voters, including those residing abroad.

According to Trend News Agency, the Racha-Lechkhumi region saw the highest voter engagement with 12.09 percent, while Guria recorded the lowest at 7.65 percent. Other regions reported turnout figures as follows: Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti at 8.23 percent, Adjara at 7.81 percent, Tbilisi at 10.07 percent, Kakheti at 10.05 percent, Mtskheta-Mtianeti at 10.42 percent, Kvemo Kartli at 8.47 percent, Shida Kartli at 9.66 percent, Samtskhe-Javakheti at 8.75 percent, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti at 12.09 percent, Imereti at 8.12 percent, and Guria at 7.65 percent.

The election is notable for the introduction of an electronic voting system, expected to facilitate the ra
pid counting of over 90 percent of ballots within an hour of polls closing. This year, Georgia is exclusively using a proportional system based on party lists, requiring parties to secure at least five percent of the vote to win parliamentary seats. Eighteen parties, including five coalitions, are competing in this election.

Additionally, the election process is under the scrutiny of 102 local and 64 international organizations. Georgians abroad, who make up part of the electorate, can vote in 53 cities across 42 countries, with 67 voting stations set up internationally-a record number for the country.