Georgia Wraps Up Local Elections as Polling Stations Close

Georgia has concluded its nationwide municipal elections, with polling stations closing at 8:00 p.m. (GMT+4).

The vote saw citizens elect mayors and members of local councils across 64 municipalities, including the capital, Tbilisi, The Caspian Post informs via Russian media.

According to the Central Election Commission (CEC), voter turnout reached 33.5 per cent by 5:00 p.m. Final turnout figures are expected following the submission of results from all precincts.

After the close of polls, local election officials are required to submit final protocols to the CEC, which will release preliminary results on October 4 or October 5. Data from exit polls conducted by various research organizations is also anticipated in the coming hours.

Over 3.5 million Georgian citizens were eligible to cast their votes in what is seen as a key test for local governance and political influence ahead of the next parliamentary elections. A total of 3,061 polling stations were opened nationwide, with more than 90 per cent using electronic ballot boxes in an effort to modernize and streamline the voting process.

Voting began at 8:00 a.m. and proceeded largely without incident, according to initial reports from election observers and media outlets.