TBILISI: In a demonstration of civic engagement, President Salome Zourabichvili of Georgia cast her vote at a polling station located within the 67th school in Tbilisi. This act marks her participation in the ongoing parliamentary elections, which are being closely monitored by both local and international observers.

According to Trend News Agency, the polls in Georgia opened at 08:00 local time and are scheduled to close at 20:00. A total of 3,508,294 eligible voters, including 95,910 residing abroad, are expected to participate in these elections. To accommodate the voters, 3,111 voting stations have been established, with a record 67 stations set up in 53 cities across 42 countries for Georgians living overseas.

The elections are being observed by 64 international and 102 local organizations, ensuring transparency and fairness in the process. This year, the parliamentary elections are utilizing a proportional system based on party lists, with parties needing to secure at least five percent of the vote to
gain seats in the parliament. Eighteen political parties are in the fray, with five of them forming coalitions to enhance their chances.

For the first time, the elections are also implementing an electronic voting system, which is anticipated to allow more than 90 percent of ballots to be counted and results published within an hour after the polls close. As President Zourabichvili stated, she cast her vote for a “new Georgia,” reflecting a vision she has held for over two decades.