TBILISI: Polling stations across Georgia have opened for the parliamentary election, marking a significant shift in the country’s electoral process. From 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. local time, 3,508,294 eligible citizens, including 95,910 overseas voters, will have the opportunity to cast their ballots in an election that adopts a fully proportional representation system for the first time.

According to Trend News Agency, the electoral process involves 3,111 polling stations, with a record 67 stations set up abroad. Georgian citizens residing overseas can vote in 53 cities across 42 countries. The election is under the scrutiny of 64 international and 102 local organizations, ensuring a transparent and fair process.

This election marks a departure from Georgia’s previous mixed electoral system. Now, all parliamentary seats will be allocated based on party lists, with parties required to secure at least 5% of the vote to enter parliament. A total of 18 parties are vying for seats, with five forming coalitions.

In a first for the Georgian parliamentary elections, an electronic voting system is being implemented. The use of modern technology is expected to expedite the counting process, with over 90% of ballots anticipated to be counted and results announced within an hour after the polling stations close.