TBILISI: Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze cast his vote in the parliamentary elections, which he described as a significant event for the nation’s future, akin to a referendum. This election is viewed as a pivotal moment, much like the 2012 elections, which Kobakhidze emphasized as essential for setting the course of the country’s development.

According to Trend News Agency, polling stations across Georgia opened at 08:00 local time and will close at 20:00. The electorate consists of 3,508,294 eligible voters, including 95,910 residing abroad. In total, 3,111 voting stations have been established, with a record-setting 67 located outside Georgia. Citizens abroad have the opportunity to cast their votes in 53 cities across 42 countries, with extensive oversight from 64 international and 102 local monitoring groups.

This year’s elections are conducted using a proportional system based on party lists, with parties required to secure at least five percent of the vote to gain parliamentary seats. Eighte
en parties are competing, with five forming coalitions to increase their chances of success. Notably, the elections will see the introduction of an electronic voting system, enabling rapid counting of over 90 percent of ballots and facilitating the release of results within an hour of poll closure.