2017 Elections of Local Self-Government Bodies

First Interim Report of the Pre-Election Observation

July 24 September 4

September 8, 2017

Publishing this report is made possible by the generous support from the American people through the United
States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). The
contents of this publication belong solely to the ISFED and may not necessarily reflect the views of USAID, the
United States Government or NED
Table of Contents

I. Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................2
II. Key Findings ...............................................................................................................................................................2
IV. Physical Violence .................................................................................................................................................4
V. Intimidation/Harassment ......................................................................................................................................5
VI. Dismissal on Alleged Political Grounds .....................................................................................................5
VII. Campaign Against Opposition Candidates In Social Media .............................................................6
VIII. The Process of Registration Of Independent Candidates ..................................................................7
IX. Composition of Precinct Electoral Commissions ...................................................................................7
X. The Incident in the DEC of Samtredia ............................................................................................................9
XI. Interference with Activities of ISFED Observer ................................................................................. 10
XII. Misuse of Administrative Resources ........................................................................................................ 10
XIII. Changes in Municipal Budgets ................................................................................................................... 11
XIV. Free Medical Service in Municipalities ................................................................................................... 19
XV. Public Meetings and Pre-Election Promises of Electoral Subjects .............................................. 20
XVI. About the Monitoring Mission .................................................................................................................... 23

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 I. Introduction

The International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) has been conducting a long-term
pre-election observation of the October 21, 2017 regular elections of municipal representative bodies -
Sakrebulos and Mayors of local self-governing cities/self-governing communities - through 70 long-
term observers since July 24. The monitoring is carried out with the support of the United States Agency
for International Development (USAID) and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). The first
interim report of the pre-election monitoring mostly covers the reporting period between July 24 and
September 4, 2017. It also covers developments that began to unfold before July 24 and continued
during the monitoring period.

II. Key Findings

Official election campaign began after the President announced the election date, prompting political
parties and candidates to enter into politically active phase.
ISFED observers monitored 82 public meetings held by electoral subjects from July 24 to September 4,
2017. Campaign took place in a mostly peaceful environment during the reporting period.
ISFED detected 2 cases of physical violence, 2 cases of intimidation/harassment, 1 case of dismissal
on alleged political ground, 3 cases of misuse of administrative resources, and 1 case of interference
with observer activities during the reporting period. The process of composition of precinct
electoral commissions (PECs) in 8 electoral districts went with certain irregularities. Social media
was used for deliberately spreading fake reports against opposition candidates. Also, evident were
the cases of possible mobilization of budgetary resources for electoral purpose in 37 municipalities
and five instances of provision of medical services free of charge.
An important trend was budgetary changes in nearly 40 municipalities. Under the Election Code,
initiation of new social and infrastructural projects and making corresponding changes in state, Adjara
A/R and local self-government budgets is prohibited from August 22. This prohibition could be the
reason why many municipalities had been actively making substantial changes in their budgets since
June, while social and infrastructural projects prescribed by the state and local self-government budgets
are often set out so that the main project activities coincide with the campaign period. Such facts do not
amount to a violation of the Election Code but they give an impression that scaling up of social and
infrastructural projects and increase of their funding during the election period aim to increase voter
satisfaction in favor of the ruling party ahead of the elections. Substantial changes in local budgets leave
the impression of misuse of administrative resources and do not contribute to creating a level playing
field ahead of the elections.
As the election campaign intensified, another noticeable trend was social media disinformation
campaign against opposition candidates for the office of Tbilisi Mayor, possibly with the intent to
discredit them. As the election period drew near, certain pages on Facebook became more active and
were used to disseminate sponsored posts against opposition candidates for the office of Tbilisi Mayor.
These candidates allege that the posts contained false information intended to mislead the audience.
ISFED believes that such form of campaigning qualifies as pre-election canvassing and amounts to an
illegal donation.
ISFED detected irregularities in the process of composition PECs in certain electoral districts. Some
political parties alleged that so-called pre-made lists were used to guide DEC members in the process
of selection of PEC members. ISFED found the process of decision-making to be lacking transparency
and raising questions in some districts. Further, the DECs disregarded that some candidates had been
imposed with disciplinary liabilities during the last parliamentary elections and selected them as PEC
members again.

2
Both cases of physical confrontation that occurred during the reporting period had possible political
motive and were connected to the victims activities during the parliamentary elections last year. These
incidents are currently under investigation.
Interference with activities of the ISFED observer occurred in Lagodekhi Municipality, in the process
of monitoring of municipal budgets. A representative of the local authorities insulted the LTO for
requesting access to public information. Such facts obstruct monitoring of pre-election processes and
undermine transparency of local self-governments work.
Offering of free medical services to local population was noticeable and was carried out in an organized
manner in several municipalities. Doctors specializing in different areas provided medical examinations
for local population and gave them medication and medical equipment free of charge. During these
meetings no one campaigned in favor of or against any particular political party; however, scaling up of
similar activities during a pre-election period may also be aimed at increasing voter satisfaction.

III. Recommendations
Local self-governments should:
observe political neutrality and prevent misuse of budgetary or human resources for advancing
interests of any party;
prevent politically motivated dismissals;
prevent campaigning by civil servants during work hours both publicly and by using social
media;
refrain from interfering with activities of monitoring organizations and their representatives,
ensure that municipal civil servants observe the standards of professional ethics;
provide free access to public information to ensure openness and transparency of their work.

Political parties, electoral subjects and their representatives should:

prevent any and all forms of violent confrontation with competitors and ensure that campaign
activities conducted by their representatives, activists and supporters are free of violence;
refrain from spreading false information against their competitors, including by using social
media, and prevent any disinformation campaign against competitors by their supporters or third
parties;
abide by the standards of financial reporting for electoral subjects during campaigning;
refrain from interfering with activities of the electoral administration.

DECs should:
observe political neutrality in decision-making and ensure maximum transparency and
substantiation of their decisions in order to increase trust towards DEC activities;
distance themselves from self-governments and other entities, as required by the law.

The State Audit Office (SAO) should:

develop effective methodology for preventing illegal donations to campaigns conducted through
social media.

Bureaus of Majoritarian MPs of the Georgian Parliament should:

stop all activities that aim to advance party interests, including surveying voters with
questionnaires.

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 IV. Physical Violence

Akhaltsikhe
On July 16, former coordinator of the United National Movement (UNM) Beglar Kapanadze was
physically assaulted by current and former employees of the local self-government. According to
Kapanadzes lawyer, his assault was politically motivated.
Kapanadzes lawyer, Irakli Bardzimadze provided ISFED LTO with details of the incident. According
to him, Kapanadze was driving together with his family when former and current employees of the local
self-government, who were under the influence, stopped his car, forced him out of the vehicle and
assaulted him. They kept reminding him about his ties with the UNM in the past. They also assaulted
Beglar Kapanadzes father who tried to help his son.
The lawyer alleges that former Deputy Mayor of Akhaltsikhe Zaza Geladze was involved in the incident.
He used to have a disagreement with Beglar Kapanadze in the past, in connection to the UNM
candidates win in the electoral precinct of Uraveli village during the 2016 parliamentary elections.
The investigative authorities have brought charges against five individuals in connection to the incident,
including three former and two current employees of the Mayors Office. Four defendants Zaza
Geladze, Davit Samsonidze, Giorgi Londaridze and Grigol Rukhadze - have been charged under
subparagraphs b and c of prima Article 126 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, and one defendant
Nodar Kurtanidze has been charged under para.1 of Article 118 and Article 120 of the Criminal Code
of Georgia. Judge released all five defendants on bail, Nodar Kurtanidzes bail was set at GEL 5000,
and the bail for remaining four defendants was set at GEL 3000.

Kaspi

On July 28, in Teliani village, a physical confrontation occurred between a member of Alliance of
Patriots organization, Khvtiso Korkotashvili and a majoritarian member of the village Sakrebulo,
Vakhtang Bezhitashvili. Both have accused each other of verbal and physical assault. According to
Khvtiso Korkotashvili, around 10:00am on July 28, in Teliani village, he was spraying grape vines with
pesticides in his own yard when suddenly a black SUV stopped outside of his house and Vakhtang
Bezhitashvili got out together with his relative Guram Davitashvili. They both entered the yard and told
Khvtiso Korkotashvilis mother Natela Korkotashvili to leave because they needed to speak with her
son. Bezhitashvili and the accompanying individual reminding Korkotashvili of the last years elections,
insulted him verbally and kept asking why he did not support Vakhtang Bezhitashvili and chose to side
with a member of the opposition Vazha Otarashvili. Then they insulted Korkotashvili both physically
and verbally. Having heard the noise, Korkotashvilis wife and children came rushing, started yelling
and demanding to call the police. Khvtiso Korkotashvilis mother threw rocks at Bezhitashvili in an
attempt to fend him off. One of the rocks that were thrown at Bezhitashvili hit the car and broke its rear
window. Bezhitashvili retrieved a weapon from his car and threatened to physically destroy Khvtiso
Korkotashvili.
Bezhitashvili has provided a different account of the incident. According to him, he was driving alone
in the village when Korkotashvili started cursing at him. Bezhitashvili said that he never took out the
weapon and alleges that Korkotashvili lied about what happened. He says that the injuries sustained
were the result of a mutual assault.1
The incident is currently under investigation by the department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in
Kaspi.

1
http://www.qartli.ge/ge/akhali-ambebi/article/6244-thelianshipatriotthaaliansistsarmomadgenelicemes

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 V. Intimidation/Harassment

Akhalkalaki
On September 3, the Central Election Commission (CEC) made an announcement about threats against
the chair and the deputy chair of Akhalkalaki DEC.2 ISFED LTO interviewed the DEC Chair and read
her statement, which said that on September 1, a representative of former MP Samvel Petrosyan tried to
register applications of several individuals in Akhalkalaki DEC no.40 for participation in a competition
for selection of PEC members. The DEC refused to register the applications, the incident ensued. The
DEC called the police patrol. Later Samvel Petrosiyan and his son Georg Petrosyan (Gamgebeli trustee)
made threats against the DEC Chair, Hasmik Marangozyan. Among other things, they threatened to kill
her and burn down her house. The Deputy Chair of the DEC alleges that Petrosyan also threatened him
in the street.
The observer interviewed Georg Petrosyan, who confirmed that his representative wanted to register
applications on behalf of several individuals who had difficulty getting to the DEC themselves from the
villages where they lived. He also said that registration of applications in such manner was a commonly
approved practice in the district. According to Petrosyan, he did not make any threats against the DEC
Chair.

Sagarejo
ISFED has found that on September 2, 2017, Principal of Ninotsminda Public School was instructed to
bring as many teachers as possible to the unveiling of the Georgian Dreams candidates in Telavi on
September 5. Similar reports were made by kindergarten teachers, as well as about a teacher of Sagarejo
no.1 Public School and teachers of Kandauri village Public School.

VI. Dismissal on Alleged Political Grounds

Ozurgeti
On September 4, Ozurgeti Gamgeoba refused to extend the contract of Gamgebeli Representative in
Meria community of Ozurgeti, Grigol Kostava. Kostava alleges that he was dismissed from work for
political reasons. According to him, a few days ago he was summoned to Ozurgeti City Hall during work
hours. When he got to the administrative building of the City Hall he was directed to the office of the
Mayor, Beglar Sioridze. According to Kostava, there were several civil servants in the Mayors office.
Sioridze asked him what his plans were for the elections, to which Kostava responded that he was
supporting the majoritarian of Meria community and the party. Sioridze reiterated his question and asked
Kostava if he supported him personally or not. Kostava responded that for the office of the Mayor he
was supporting an independent candidate, Koba Sharashelidze. Kostava alleges that he was dismissed
from work because of his political stance.

2
See the CEC statement available at: http://cesko.ge/geo/list/show/111333-tseskos-gantskhadeba-saolqo-
saarchevno-komisiis-tavmdjdomaris-mimart-muqaris-shesakheb

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 VII. Campaign Against Opposition Candidates In Social Media

Even before the official election campaigning began, various Facebook pages started actively posting
mostly fake reports aimed against opposition candidates running for the office of Tbilisi Mayor. Often
information published on these pages is sponsored. Of note is the fact that some news web-portal have
picked up such information without checking its credibility first; instead, they present the false
information as credible facts. 3 In all of these cases, it is unknown which particular individual or
organization is behind the fake reports disseminated by social media and who pays to promote such
posts.
On August 27, several Facebook pages (Vin Gvesaubreba? and Dzaan Udumashvili) reported that
members of the United National Movement were collecting signatures in favor of Aleko Elesashvili.
The news is accompanied by a video showing several individuals dressed in the UNM campaign t-shirts
collecting signatures. The footage does not allow identification of the individuals. Aleko Elisashvili and
the UNM have both dismissed these reports as fake. Elisashvili has filed a police report in connection to
the fact and has demanded identification of the individuals collecting signatures.4
Aleko Elisashvili believes that this fact amounts to interference with his election campaign. 5
Of note is the fact that a Facebook page (Vin Gvesaubreba?) has published different reports about
opposition candidates - Elene Khoshtaria, Zaal Udumashvili and Aleksandre Elisashvili, and the
candidates themselves have dismissed these reports as false. Contents of such Facebook posts are
negative and aim to discredit opposition candidates who are running for the office of Tbilisi Mayor, or
contain false information.6 These posts are often sponsored, meaning that creator of the Facebook page
is paying to have these reports disseminated on social media.7
Under the Election Code, the above activity amounts to canvassing. Para.z8 of Article 2 of the Code
defines canvassing as appeal to voters in favor of or against an electoral subject/candidate as well as
any public action facilitating or impeding its election and/or containing signs of election campaign...
Under para.25 of the law of Georgia on Political Unions of Citizens financial expenditures incurred for
appealing to voters against a person who has declared an intention to stand for elections are considered
donations, whether or not the beneficiary of such funds is identifiable.
In the case in question, financial expenditures and service of administrators of such Facebook pages to
promote posts against mayoral candidates should qualifies as illegal donations. However, due to the lack
of methodology for exercising effective financial oversight of such activities, taking actions in response
to these facts is quite challenging.
The campaign for discrediting mayoral candidates using social media once again highlights the lack of
legal framework for campaigning using online platforms and social media, and demonstrates that use of
the Internet for electoral purposes is an important challenge in the election process.

3
See for instance: http://exclusivenews.ge/post/63940
4
See an article produced by Netgazeti, availabl at: http://netgazeti.ge/news/217206/
5
See: https://www.facebook.com/AlexanderElisashvili/videos/1664808136884660/
6
According to one of the sponsored posts, Elisashvili is considering Nata Peradze for two positions. According
to another post, Elene Khoshtaria, the European Georgias candidate for the office of Tbilisi Mayor, plans to
withdraw her candidacy. Another post claims that Zaal Udumashvilis supporters are collecting signatures for
Elisashvili, etc.
7
See a photo: http://isfed.ge/admin/editor/uploads/images/elisashvili_nata%20feradze.jpg

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 VIII. The Process of Registration Of Independent Candidates

The deadlines for registering as an independent candidate and submitting a list of supporters came under
focus in the reporting period.
On August 24, Aleksandre Elisashvili, who intends to run as an independent candidate in the mayoral
election in Tbilisi, announced that the CEC demanded he collect signatures of 10,000 [9,587] supporters,
which according to Elisashvili was illegal and unfair. 8
The announcement is related to the Resolution no.32 of the CEC, dated August 21, which defines
procedures for nomination and registration of mayoral candidates for initiative groups. According to the
CEC instructions, in order to register as a candidate for the office of Tbilisi Mayor an initiative group
must apply to the CEC no later than 57 days prior to the Election Day, and it must submit to the CEC
signatures of voters who support the candidate no later than 50 days prior to the Election Day. Number
of signatures on the list must amount to 1% of registered voters in the respective electoral district.
Noticeably, the prima paragraph 4 of Article 167 of the Election Code provides different deadlines for
registration of candidates nominated by parties and by initiative groups. Further, the deadline for
registration and submission of a list of supporters is rather tight for initiative groups, which discriminates
against independent candidates and puts them at a disadvantage compared to parties.
Further, the law does not take into account the number of registered voters in a district and establishes
the same deadline for all districts irrespective of the number of voters.
With regards to the deadline for registering as an independent candidate, of note is the fact that Kakhaber
Tsiskaridze could not register as an independent candidate for the office of Batumi Mayor after he
informed reporters about his decision to run for the office on August 28. Later ISFED learned from
Batumi DEC no.79 that the initiative group that planned to nominate Tsiskaridze as a mayoral candidate
failed to apply to the DEC for registration within the timeframe prescribed by the law. Interestingly, not
a single initiative group registered with Batumi DEC for nominating an independent candidate for the
office of Batumi Mayor.

IX. Composition of Precinct Electoral Commissions

Batumi
Batumi DEC no.79 held a session about composition of electoral precincts on September 4. A total of
886 applications had been filed at 102 precincts. Right after the meeting began, Chair of Batumi DEC
Tsiala Shavadze announced that the commission had four days after the closing date of the competition
to review all applications and come to an agreement about candidates. Correspondingly, the review of
applications, introduction of the nominal list of applicants and announcement of decisions never took
place at the session. Majority of DEC members, including professional members were using the so-
called draft of the general list of applicants where names of applicants that they had to choose had already
been marked. They were simply marking the same names on precinct-specific lists. Essentially, the
meeting was a pro forma process; evidently, the DEC had already made its decisions and the only
purpose that the meeting served was documenting those decisions.
Having observed the process of entering the decisions into the database ISFED noted the trend that in
almost all cases decisions of DEC professional members about candidates tended to be identical to those
made by the Georgian Dream appointed commission member. A member of the Christian Conservatives
attended the meeting but did not participate in selection of applicants while a member of commission
from the Alliance of Patriots made a choice in favor of all applicants.

8
See Elesashvilis statement available at: http://go.on.ge/g0m

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The DEC selected 6 members for each of the 102 precincts fully completing positions.

Kutaisi
53 applicants selected by Kutaisi DEC for membership of precinct electoral commissions had been
imposed with a disciplinary liability during the parliamentary elections last year for violating the
electoral legislation. 7 of them had been imposed with a disciplinary liability in both rounds of the
parliamentary elections.

Chokhatauri
In Chokhatauri DEC no.62, a total of 278 applications were submitted for the competition for selection
of PEC members. ISFED long-term observer requested access to the list of candidates after the closing
date of the competition. The LTO examined the list and found that most applicants on the list were
family members and relatives of representatives of an administrative entitys territorial body, local self-
government employees and Sakrebulo members.
ISFED found that DEC members had already made an agreement about which candidates to choose for
PEC membership, considering that most candidates selected following voting were family members and
relatives of representatives of an administrative entitys territorial body, local self-government
employees and Sakrebulo members.

Khobi
Meeting of Kobi DEC was conducted in a transparent manner; the DEC chair reviewed each candidate
separately, then the DEC secretary summed up scores and announced names of candidates that were
chosen. Interestingly, members of the DEC that participated in the process of selection of PEC members
voted in favor of the first 6 candidates on the list for each precinct. The DEC chose 192 out of 218
applications that had been submitted.

Vake
Vake DEC selected Ketevan Tsevguashvili as a member of the PEC no.11. During the 2016
parliamentary elections Ms. Tsevguashvili served as a chair of the very same PEC. After the elections
were over, she took the protocol, the seal and other documents home and took them to the DEC only
after the DEC Chair, Tamaz Poladashvili called her and woke her up. ISFED filed a complaint with the
DEC in connection to the incident and requested imposition of a disciplinary liability on Tsevguashvili
but the DEC refused to grant it.

Bolnisi
On September 1, 2017, during review of PEC membership applications submitted to the DEC no.23, it
was found that three candidates Ia Kokosadze, Bakhdin Gasanov and Amirkhan Mamedov had been
imposed with disciplinary sanctions for making errors when filling out a protocol of the 2016
parliamentary elections, but the DEC still chose them as PEC members.

Kaspi
During the meeting of Kaspi DEC, a total of 228 PEC members were selected, 7 of them had been
imposed with a disciplinary sanction for violating the electoral legislation during the parliamentary
elections last year.

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Kobuleti
On September 4, Kobuleti DEC had a meeting for selection of PEC members. The meeting was attended
by all members of the DEC. Although the UNM had an official accredited representative in the district
who attended the meeting, three unauthorized individuals from the UNM were also in attendance without
accreditation. These individuals included two Sakrebulo members (Merab Tsintsabadze and Bondo
Tedoradze) and their supporter, a citizen. The unauthorized individuals disregarded the DEC Chairs
demand to leave the meeting.
Some members of the DEC used a draft of the general list to mark their choices on the precinct-specific
lists. On the general list they had already marked names of applicants that they were going to choose. A
member of the DEC from the Industrialists, Aslan Tsulukidze did not work individually during the
meeting; instead, he was using the guiding list of Nani Tsivadze, a member of the DEC from the
Georgian Dream sitting next to him, for selection of PEC members.

X. The Incident in the DEC of Samtredia

Samtredia
On September 1, no.54 of Samtredia DEC session was postponed because of a noisy incident. ISFED
observer that arrived at the meeting witnessed representatives of the UNM and the Christian-
Conservative Party enter the DEC meeting hall through the wall that connected the hall to Gamgeoba.
The DEC Chair had to call the police because of the disturbance.
Samtredia DEC is located in the administrative building of Samtredia Municipality and it has its own
separate entrance. The door that leads into the other part of the building occupied by Gamgeoba had
been locked with a gypsum board construction over the recent years.
During the DEC summer school trainings over the summer, the wall that leads into the part of the
building occupied by Gamgeoba was ruined and the door was opened, and after the trainings were over
the door was poorly barred. To protest this fact, members of the UNM and the Christian-Conservatives
demonstratively entered the DEC offices through the wall that connected it to Gamgeoba. They were
also videotaping the incident to show that one can easily get into Gamgebelis office from the DEC
through the internal door that was supposed to be barred.
ISFED observer met with members of the UNM, Mamuka Bibileishvili and Emzar Shubladze, who are
members of Sakrebulo. They explained that the DEC is violating the law because it is not isolated from
the administrative building. It is also very suspicions that there is an internal access between the offices
of Gamgeoba and the DEC. The video taken by the UNM members shows representatives of the party
entering the DEC offices through Gamgeoba, then entering the office of Gamgebeli through the office
of the DEC Chair and going back. According to the UNM representatives they did it to illustrate that the
DEC members and Gamgebeli can easily use the same internal access.
Para.8 of Article 19 of the Election Code prohibits placing a DEC in the same building where the state
trustee the Governors administration, the local self-governing body Sakrebulo or Gamgeoba, a
political party, court, a police division, or a division of the State Security Service of Georgia are located.
Therefore, the fact that the DEC is not isolated from Gamgeoba amounts to a violation of the said Article
and threatens transparency of the DEC. On the other hand, election stakeholders must conduct their
activities without interfering with the DEC work.

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 XI. Interference with Activities of ISFED Observer

On August 11, Lagodekhi Municipality Sakrebulo chief of staff Giorgi Meskhishvili summoned ISFED
LTO to Sakrebulo for a meeting. During the meeting it became evident that Meskhishvili was inebriated.
He started aggressively reviewing an application9 filed by the LTO on behalf of ISFED for requesting
public information and began criticizing each question raised in the application. Then Meskhishvili put
copies of pages from the Legislative Herald in front of the observer, a total of 130 pages, and said that
answers to the questions raised in the application were in those pages. He said he would let the LTO
leave with the pages after the fee was paid. The observer responded that she had paid a fee for accessing
public information a number of times before and she was going to pay it this time as well.
This is not the first case when Meskhishvili violated civil service ethics standards and insulted the
observer and the organization that the observer represents over issues related to accessing public
information. Because contents of public information requested are unacceptable to him, he insults
observers.

XII. Misuse of Administrative Resources

Tkibuli
On August 19-20, the bureau of the majoritarian member of Tkibuli Sakrebulo, Elguja Gotsiridze
conducted a survey of population in Mukhura village of Tkibuli Municipality using a questionnaire. Age
and sex of those surveyed was recorded in the form. Questions were about problems in Mukhura village
and about evaluation of performance of majoritarian Member of Parliament, Elguja Gotsiridze. One of
the questions was about local elections in particular, bureau representatives wanted to find out who
the population wanted to see as the Georgian Dreams candidate in the local self-government elections
for Sakrebulo membership. The interviewers did not state their name or name of the organization that
they represented. ISFED LTO interviewed employees of Elguja Gotsiridzes bureau in connection to the
survey. According to the bureau employees, they started the sociological survey in June and have already
surveyed populations in several villages (Motsameta, Kursebi, etc.). Employees of the bureau also stated
that their activity is not related to the elections and the only village where they asked respondents the
question about local self-government was the village of Mukhuri. They explained that the only reason
they did not state their names was to not influence respondents answers. According to the bureau
employees, the survey will last for about a year and they plan to make the final results public.

Ozurgeti
During work hours on September 4, head of the press office of Ozurgeti Municipality Sakrebulo,
Natia Zedginidze posted on her Facebook page a news report published by primetime.ge and
pia.ge about nomination of Giorgi Ghurjumeladze by the Georgian Dream as a number two on
the party list for Ozurgeti.

During work hours on September 1, an employee of Ozurgeti City Hall, Saro Sarishvili posted
a photo of the mayoral candidate Beglar Sioridze two times; the photo featured the Georgian
Dreams party number and slogan in the background.

9
ISFED requested information about changes in the budget from all municipalities, including Lagodekhi.

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 XIII. Changes in Municipal Budgets

As the elections drew near, municipalities started making massive changes in their budgets. ISFED
monitored changes in municipal budgets since June and revealed up to 40 cases of budgetary changes
budgets and new social projects introduced. As a result of these changes, funding for infrastructural and
social programs was increased, mostly on the basis of Order no.480 of the Government of Georgia, dated
March 14, 2017. By virtue of this Order, GEL 72,322,208 was allocated to municipalities from the fund
for regional projects envisaged by the state budget of Georgia. Some municipalities planned
implementation of infrastructural projects with these funds. 10
Under the Election Code of Georgia, within 60 days before the Election Day it is prohibited to implement
such projects/programs that have not been previously envisioned by the government. The Code also
prohibits increase of the amount of welfare benefits (pension, social assistance, etc.). 11 This could be
the reason why many municipalities have been actively making substantial changes in their budgets
since June, while social and infrastructural projects contained by the state and the local self-government
budgets are often planned in a manner that ensures conduct of main project activities during the
campaign period.
Although changes in municipal budgets were formally done in compliance with the Election Code, of
note is the fact that implementation of projects initiated as a result of these changes coincide with the
campaign period, which perpetuates the wrong practice that has been established over the years.

Chokhatauri
Under the Resolution no.12, dated June 28, 2017, Chokhatauri Municipality Sakrebulo approved
changes in the budget to define the following as priorities for the municipality: improving
infrastructure, on the basis of which building of roads was planned, rehabilitation of cultural centers
and compensation of expenses related to operation of existing facilities.

In July-August, it was reported in Chokhatauri Municipality that trustees of the territorial body of
the municipality were calling supporters of the Georgian Dream to file an application with
Gamgeoba and request a one-off assistance. According to the trustees, the municipality Gamgeoba
would grant their request. ISFED observer found large numbers of citizens in Gamgeoba requesting
the one-off assistance.

Lanchkhuti
On July 13, Lanchkhuti Municipality Sakrebulo made changes in the municipal budget, as a result of
which funds allocated for rehabilitation of infrastructural objects were increased by GEL 2,084,292,
including GEL 1,360,000 allocated for disaster relief and recovery.

Funding for current expenditures was increased for several non-commercial legal entities, including the
Center for Development of External Economic Relations, Investments, Transportation, Tourism and
Industry, which focuses on promotion farming, external economic relations, investments,
transportation, tourism and industry in the municipality.

Ozurgeti
On August 21, during an extraordinary meeting of Ozurgeti Municipality Sakrebulo, the municipal
budget was increased by GEL 104,947. As a result, the program for provision of medicines for
citizens received an additional funding of GEL 10,000. The program is implemented by Ozurgeti

10
See Order no.480 of the Government of Georgia: https://www.matsne.gov.ge/ka/document/view/3612175
11
The organic law of Georgia the Election Code of Georgia, Article 49

11
 Municipality Gamgeoba and it envisages free provision of medicines worth up to GEL 150 to
beneficiaries.

On August 21, Ozurgeti Municipality Sakerebulo amended the rules for provision of social
assistance from the 2017 budget, and introduced a special sub-paragraph that envisages assistance
for veterans of war and military forces and individuals with equal status in the amount of GEL 100
for utility bills.

During the same meeting Sakrebulo adopted a resolution for increasing the budget by GEL 300,000
from non-financial assets. The increased income was distributed among the following budget
categories: building of infrastructure - GEL 255,000 (roads - 76,200; housing - 54,100; amenities -
124,700); healthcare and social welfare GEL 45,000 (medical assistance for the socially vulnerable
- 5,000; assistance for families that live in severe housing conditions - 9,500; assistance for veterans
9,500, assistance for helping families left homeless pay their housing rent - 5,000; one-off
monetary assistance - 12,000).

Keda
On June 30, Keda Municipality Sakrebulo amended the local budget mostly to allow planning of
implementation of health and social projects. The targeted program for amortized rooftops received
an additional funding of GEL 17,500, the program for providing the socially vulnerable individuals
with everyday meals also received an additional funding of GEL 17,500, the program for providing
free food one time received an additional funding of GEL 11,700. Further, GEL 4,600 was allocated
in the field of healthcare for the program that provides specific medicines for people with epilepsy,
and GEL 25,400 was allocated for the program for people with mental disorder.
A reserve fund of GEL 85,000 was created with the aim of fulfilling the obligations envisaged by
the municipality budget. Municipality Gamgebeli was designated as an official authorized to make
decisions about allocation of money from the reserve fund.
On August 25, Keda Municipality Sakrebulo adopted changes in the programs envisaged by the
local budget. In particular, an additional funding of GEL 1,040 was allocated for the youth events
program, and GEL 1,562 for the cultural events program. The additional funding for these programs
was allocated at the expense of reducing the budgets for youth, culture and education programs.

Khulo
According to changes made in June-August, budget of Khulo Municipality was increased by GEL
35,754, as a result of which implementation of social and healthcare programs was planned. Funds in
the amount of GEL 3,000 were allocated to cover funeral expenses for the socially vulnerable; a targeted
program for promotion of farming and rural entrepreneurship received a funding of GEL 3,500.

The municipal healthcare program was also affected by these changes GEL 13,000 was allocated for
providing medicines for individuals with epilepsy, and GEL 10,000 was allocated for compensating
rehabilitation costs for children with cerebral palsy and children who are beneficiaries of the early
development program.

Poti
In June-August, three changes were made in the budget of Poti Municipality: the municipal budget was
increased by GEL 4,660,400 on the basis of the first change, and later by GEL 5,043,400 on the basis of
the second change, while the third change allowed allocation of GEL 5,303,400 to the municipality as a
transfer form the state budget.
Reduction of infrastructural project expenditures allowed increase of the Public Health Center
expenditures by GEL 4,000. Under the Mayoral Decree, expenditures of the Program for Assistance of

12
Families with Newborns were reduced by GEL 2,500. This sum was reallocated to the food program for
the socially vulnerable, with a total budget for the program amounting to 196,600.
As a result of changes in the budget, financing for infrastructural and cultural events, and rehabilitation
of roads and other facilities were planned.

Kutaisi
On August 22, during an extraordinary meeting Kutaisi Sakrebulo voted for taking of a loan in the
amount of GEL 6 million from the central budget by Kutaisi City Hall. According to Kutaisi Mayor,
the city government has launched several important infrastructural projects and needs the loan to
complete them. The Mayor explained that the budget revenue that comes from taxes is collected in
September and in November, and in order to avoid stalling of the projects they have asked the central
government for an interest-free loan by the end of the year. They plan to pay back the loan in late
December. Members of Sakrebulo from opposition explain that the taking out of the loan is directly
related to the elections. They believe that the local government uses financial/administrative
resources for winning over the constituents. The Mayor stated that these allegations are falls and
clarified that they plan to use the money for finishing ongoing projects, not for adding any new ones.
12

At a meeting of Kutaisi Municipality Sakrebulo on August 11, budget of Kutaisi was increased by
GEL 1,067,000. According to the Deputy Mayor of Kutaisi, Kote Kavtaradze, the local budget
collected revenues mostly from gambling business and privatization. The increased budget has been
distributed between several different areas, which includes increased funding for rehabilitation of
apartment buildings in Kutaisi. This was criticized by opposition members of Sakrebulo during the
meeting. According to an independent member of Sakrebulo, Nato Katamadze, Kutaisi Mayor called
this program a luxury and said that the budget could not afford the funds necessary for
rehabilitation, while as the elections drew near he increased the budget. Nato Katamadze believes
that these changes have been made for winning over constituents. Kutaisi Mayor Shota Murghulia
has stated that these claims are false. He explained that the municipality plans to rehabilitate those
apartment buildings where residents can come up with 10% co-funding.

Samtredia
During the period from June 1 to August 7, 2017, three changes were made in the 2017 budget. These
changes mostly concerned infrastructural projects; in particular, funding was allocated for roads,
bridges, footbridges, installing amenities in small public gardens, and other infrastructural initiatives.
Under the Resolution no.15 of July 17, total budget of Samtredia Municipality was increased by GEL
901,800. This includes GEL 741,800 allocated from the regional projects fund of Georgia for Samtredia
Municipality under the Order no.1401 of the Government of Georgia, dated July 6, 2017. The increased
local revenues were entirely injected in programs for construction, reconstruction, exploitation of
infrastructure and social programs. Lump sum financial assistance for socially vulnerable families was
increased under the category of social programs, which includes medical service for individual citizens,
provision of medicines for the socially vulnerable and one-off assistance in special cases.

Zestaponi
The budget was amended once in June-August. As a result, the program budget of the social security
service for financial assistance of families that live in the municipality was increased by GEO 50,000.

12
See the video at: www.myvideo.ge/tv/rioni/2017-08-22/20:35:37
http://www.kutaisipost.ge/akhali-ambebi/article/8777-quthaisis-meria-6-mln-laris-seskhs-ighebs

13
Terjola
Terjola Municipality Sakrebulo made 4 changes in the budget during June-August. Under the Order
dated August 2, budget of the program for one-off assistance for the socially vulnerable was increased
by GEL 170,000. Also under the Order of August 2, the Resolution of January 10, 2017 was amended
to increase the budget for the program that envisages provision of medicines by GEL 70,000. The
explanatory note suggests that the total budget has been increased by GEL 353,500.

Khashuri
Khashuri Municipality Sakrebulo made 4 changes during June 1 August 5, mostly concerning
infrastructural programs and approval of June 2017 disaster relief measures. The changes did not concern
social and health programs.

Chokhatauri
Under the Decree no.824 of the Government of Georgia on Implementation of Disaster Relief Measures,
dated April 26, 2017, GEL 700,000 was allocated for Chokhatauri Municipality, as a result of which the
total budget of the municipality reached GEL 7,779.9 thousand. According to the Chair of the UNM
faction in Chokhatauri Municipality Sakrebulo, Dimitri Koripadze, following the increase of the budget,
number of families affected by the disaster on April 26, 2017, grew from 173 to 230.
ISFED LTO verified some families on the list of households affected by the disaster and found out that
several households received tin roofs from the municipality as assistance even though their houses had
not been damaged. For instance, Dodo Gurgenidzes family in Bukistsikhe village of Chokhatauri
Municipality received a tin roof even though her house had not been affected by the disaster. The house
has been locked for 25 years and no one lives there. Families that have houses with roofs that need to be
replaced because they are old also received tin roofs.
ISFED observer reported that mostly this was the criterion used to provide assistance to most families
who are supporters of the Georgian Dream, relatives of trustees of territorial bodies and supporters or
relatives of majoritarian members of Sakrebulo in villages.
The first stage of provision of roofs and construction material has been completed, and the second stage
will begin soon.

Shuakhevi
The budget of Shuakhevi Municipality was amended in June-August and increased by GEL 4,215,642.
As a result, health and social programs received a funding of GEL 191,900, including GEL 119,900 for
providing housing for the socially vulnerable and GEL 40,000 for rehabilitation of roofs for people living
in harsh social conditions. Remaining funds were distributed among different infrastructural programs,
including programs for rehabilitating roads and repairing different facilities in several villages.

Tbilisi
Based on the June 25, 2017 decision of Sakrebulo, funding for social security programs in the budget of
Tbilisi Municipality was increased by GEL 5,080,000. As a result, GEL 4,000,000 was allocated for
implementation of social measures. Different amounts of social assistance were determined for different
districts for instance, GEL 110,000 was allocated for Nadzaladevi District, GEL 50,000 for Didube
District, GEL 40,000 for Vake District, etc.

14
Budget for the health program was also increased by GEL 207,861, which will be injected in existing
programs for control of non-communicable disease, rehabilitation of children with autism spectrum
disorder and diagnosis of hepatitis C.

Gardabani
Based on changes in the budget of Gardabani Municipality in June-August, GEL 950,000 was allocated
from the fund for regional projects to Gardabani Municipality. GEL 1,000,000 was also allocated for
rehabilitation of local roads.

Dusheti
Two changes were made in the budget of Dusheti Municipality in June-August. GEL 25,000 was
allocated for inpatient and outpatient care for the socially vulnerable. Funding for inpatient and
outpatient care for individual citizens was also increased by GEL 19,000. Additional funds were
allocated for infrastructural projects. GEL 22,371 was allocated for installment of a heating system in a
kindergarten in Daba Pasanauri, and GEL 8,077 was allocated for providing equipment to the emergency
medical center.

Lagodekhi
Based on the changes made in the budget of Lagodekhi Municipality in June-August, funding for social
projects was increased by GEL 90,000. Budget of the social assistance program was increased and a
funding was allocated for the center for youth affairs and development of sports. Funding for public
health initiatives was also increased by GEL 7,400.
GEL 578,519 was allocated for funding of infrastructural projects, including for
construction/rehabilitation of roads and other facilities.

Akhmeta
Changes were made in social and infrastructural programs in the budget of Akhmeta Municipality in
June-August and GEL 498,500 was allocated for social assistance.
Funding for infrastructural projects was increased by GEL 1,090,100. Within the increase, rehabilitation
of local roads and other facilities was planned.

Batumi
Changes were made in the budget of Batumi during the period from June 1 to August 7. The health
program received an additional funding of GEL 40,000, which allowed full increase of the sub-program
for individual medical assistance. The budget was increased as a result of reduction of budget expenses
and a transfer.
The program for development of infrastructure and local utility services was increased by GEL
8,287,800, and the increased funding was distributed between the following sub-programs: development
of road infrastructure - 2,221,600, development of transportation infrastructure and services - 2,323,600,
development of basic utilities infrastructure - 1,619,600, improvement of ecological situation and
development of recreational infrastructure - 295,200, supporting apartment owners associations,
building apartments, rehabilitation and demolition of outdated buildings - 1,761,600, urban planning
GEL 66,200. The budget was increased as a result of reduction of budget expenses and a transfer.

15
Tsageri
As a result of changes in the budget of Tsageri Municipality in June-August, mostly the funds for
infrastructural and social projects were increased. GEL 58,500 was allocated for rehabilitation of
drinking water systems; expenditures for design and examination of the urban development plan, and
for technical oversight of construction works were increased by GEL81,151 and an additional funding
of GEL 45,000 was allocated for installment of amenities in the municipality (installment of amenities
in small public gardens and improvement of facades).
The unallocated funds amounting to GEL 11,800 available in the budget accounts as of January 1, 2017,
was allocated for covering utility bills, and a portion of these funds was allocated for Municipality
Gamgeoba. GEL 1,425,000 was allocated for disaster relief measures in Tsageri Municipality and will
be spent on rehabilitation of roads affected by the disaster.

Ambrolauri
As a result of changes in the budge of Ambrolauri Municipality in June-August, funds were allocated
for infrastructural projects, including: GEL 1,661,745 for rehabilitation of motor roads, GEL 249,530
for improvement of water supply system, and GEL 275,596 for installment of amenities in the local
cultural and educational center.
Local revenues that had been reserved for co-funding of regional projects were freed up following
tenders and directed towards co-funding of procurement of technical oversight. GEL 241,812 was
allocated for installment of utilities in tourist facilities, for spring improvement and provision of
equipment for stadiums in Ambrolauri Municipality.

Sachkhere
Four changes were made in the budget of Sachkhere Municipality in June-August. These changes mostly
concerned infrastructural and social programs. GEL 2,746,668 was allocated for implementation of
infrastructural projects, GEL 100,000 was allocated for social programs, including GEL 60,000 for
social protection of patients and GEL 40,000 for social protection of children.
According to these changes, improvement of infrastructure was named as one of the priorities for
economic development of the municipality. As a result cleaning works, expansion of outdoor lighting,
works related to construction/rehabilitation, maintenance of road infrastructure, sewage treatment and
maintenance of sports stadiums were planned.

Kharagauli
Changes made in the budget of Kharagauli Municipality in June-August concerned social and
infrastructural projects. GEL 7,200 allocated for implementation of the project for promotion of
vocational education for the blind was reallocated to the sub-program for promotion of cultural
development. GEL 9,300 was allocated for building of kindergartens in Khidri, Boriti and Tskalaporeti;
GEL 1,900 - for rehabilitation of kindergartens in the municipality; GEL 53,000 - for asphalt paving;
GEL 3,700 - for arranging a water supply network for a hospital.

Baghdati
Changes in the budget of Baghdati Municipality in June-August concerned infrastructural projects.

16
GEL 1,245,300 was allocated from the regional projects fund to Baghdati Municipality, including GEL
991,300 for rehabilitation of local roads, GEL 254,000 for irrigation system and riverbank
reinforcement, as well as for construction of infrastructural facilities under the ownership of the
municipality.
Funding for sports events was reduced by GEL 2,5 thousand and the money was distributed between the
programs for social protection of families and children and for supporting the church.

Vani
Based on the changes made in the budget of Vani Municipality in June-August, funding for
infrastructural programs was increased by GEL 697,000. Within the increase, GEL 201,700 was
allocated for building a kindergarten in Ukhuti village, GEL 199,500 - for installment of amenities in
the public garden on May 26 Street, and GEL 199,500 - for rehabilitation of a public garden on Freedom
Street in Vani. Based on the July 7, 2017 changes in the budget, the reserve fund of the municipality was
increased by GEL 20,000, Gamgeoba expenditures were increased by GEL 2,000, and GEL 7,200 was
allocated for installment of utilities in urban area.

Khoni
Changes made in the budget of Khoni Municipality concerned infrastructural projects; GEL 135,522
was allocated to the municipality from the regional projects fund for construction and rehabilitation of
different facilities.

Tkibuli
The budget of Tkibuli Municipality was amended once to allow reallocation of GEL 2,700 from the
reserve fund of 2017 program budget of Tkibuli Municipality to the sub-program of individual assistance
with the aim of providing a range of social assistance and promoting healthcare.

GEL 30,000 allocated for installment of amenities in sports and recreational facilities was used to
increase non-financial assets of Gamgeoba; GEL 70,000 was allocated for construction and
rehabilitation of road infrastructure; GEL 141,892 - for rehabilitation of infrastructure. GEL 906,400
was allocated to Tkibuli Municipality from the regional projects fund of Georgia for paving local roads
with asphalt and concrete.

Zugdidi
Two changes were made in the 2017 budget of Zugdidi Municipality in June-August: the first change
concerned capital grants and earmarked transfers from the State budget to the local budget of Zugdidi
Municipality, as a result of which budget revenues were increased by GEL 601,100; the second change
concerned distribution of cash allotments amounting to GEL 588,700 among the line items of classified
expenditures in the local budget, for conducting rehabilitation of the storm drainage system.

Tsalenjikha
Changes made in the budget of Tsalenjikha Municipality in June-August concerned social and healthcare
programs. The program of one-off assistance of socially vulnerable families was increased by GEL
10,000, and the healthcare program was increased by GEL 40,000. GEL 950,000 was allocated from the
regional projects fund to Tsalenjikha Municipality for rehabilitation of the road in the territorial body of
Mikava Community. An additional funding of GEL 38,000 was allocated from the municipality budget
as a co-funding for rehabilitation of the road in the territorial body of Mikava Community

17
Chkhorotsku
As a result of changes in the municipal budget in June-August, the budget was increased by GEL
767,349. GEL 169,700 was allocated for disaster relief, and GEL 78,385 was allocated for
implementation of infrastructural projects, a portion of which was appropriated for different construction
and design works.

Tsalka
As a result of changes made in the budget of Tsalka Municipality in June-August, funds were allocated
for infrastructural projects. GEL 943,223 was transferred to Tsalka Municipality from the regional
projects fund for rehabilitation/construction of roads and other facilities.

Tetritskaro
Changes made in the budget of Tetritskaro Municipality in June-August mostly concerned infrastructural
and social programs.

Healthcare and social security were named as budget priority areas. The program envisages provision of
certain benefits and social assistance for different socio-economic groups residing in the municipality
area. It also envisages covering of ritual service fees envisaged by the legislation; provision of food for
the elderly, the homeless and the socially vulnerable; provision of assistance for families with many
children and other social measures within an earmarked transfer from the state budget. Based on these
changes, funding for the social assistance program was increased by GEL 20,000.

Rustavi

Changes made in the budget of Rustavi Municipality in June-August mostly concerned healthcare and
social programs. Under the Order no.1196 of Rustavi Sakrebulo, dated July 12, 2017, budget of the
program for public transport aid for socially vulnerable families was reduced by GEL 80,000, and was
reallocated to the budget of the public transport aid program for employees of some non-profit (non-
commercial) legal entities and legal entities of public law in the municipality. Under the Order no.1176
of June 15, 2017, changes were made in the individual medical assistance program, as a result of which
additional funding of GEL 70,000 was allocated to the program. Further, expenditures of the program
for rehabilitation of children with autism and mental retardation was increased by GEL 15,000, and the
program for provision of medicines was increased by GEL 20,000.

Tetritskaro

Changes made in the budget of Tetritskaro Municipality in June-August mostly concerned infrastructural
programs. GEL 624,800 was allocated from the regional projects fund to Tetritskaro, for rehabilitation
of roads and other facilities within the municipal area.

Kaspi
Changes made in the budget of Kaspi Municipality in June-August mostly concerned infrastructural
projects, as a result of which the budget was increased by GEL 51,600. Budget of the program for
financing apartment owners associations was subsequently increased by GEL 20,000, and new
infrastructural projects were planned.

18
Gori
Changes made in the budget of Gori Municipality in June-August concerned infrastructural and social
projects.
As a result of these changes, social assistance within the program for provision of medical assistance
and medicines to oncological patients was increased by GEL 50,000.
The program for rehabilitation of clubs, music schools, libraries and museums in rural areas was
increased by GEL 70,000. A number of changes were also made in infrastructural projects section of the
budget, expenditures for building and reconstruction of roads were increased by GEL 140,742, and GEL
39,127 was allocated for repairing rural roads and bridges.

Aspindza
As a result of changes in the budget of Aspindza Municipality infrastructural projects were funded.
Additional funding of GEL 36,9210 was allocated to the line item of building cultural facilities and
increasing non-financial assets, and non-financial assets of road infrastructure were increased by GEL
8,880.

Akhalkalaki
As a result of changes in the budget of Akhalkalaki Municipality, social and healthcare projects were
increased by GEL 40,000.

XIV. Free Medical Service in Municipalities

Dedoplistskaro
In Dedoplistskaro Municipality, a project titled One Day in a Village was launched under the initiative
of Gamgebeli. Within the project, Gamgebeli Nikoloz Janiashvili and Sakrebulo Chair Nugzar
Papiashvili are meeting with populations in all villages.
They personally listen to local concerns in rural areas. Like for instance, on August 8 and 9 Gamgebeli
met with the population of Tavtskaro village and Choeti village and promised to resolve their problems
in the shortest possible time.
Of note is the fact that Gamgebeli is meeting people together with doctors of Red Cross Georgia in
Dedoplistskaro, who offer ultrasound, cardiology and other medical services to locals.

Abasha
In late June early July, a clinic of EVEX Medical Corporation provided free medical examinations.
On August 10, Abasha Municipality Facebook page announced that a hospital of EVEX would provide
a range of medical examinations free of charge on August 17, including: cervical screening for women
between the ages of 25-60, prostate cancer screening for men between the ages of 50-60; according to
the announcements, patients would have an opportunity to see ophthalmologist Konstantine Gelenidze

19
for a consultation, who would then choose patients for on-site surgery. ISFED LTO interviewed head of
the clinic Severion Poyava in connection to this initiative. He explained that the clinic won a tender and
has an obligation to provide free examinations periodically for two years.

Ozurgeti
On July 29 and August 12, a charity event was held by Ozurgeti City Hall for providing free medical
services. Medical consultations and examinations were provided by doctors of Batumi International
University Hospital. Ozurgeti Mayor Beglar Sioridze also participated in the event and underwent an
ultrasound together with locals. According to the City Hall spokesperson Khatuna Sharadze, the event
held in a kindergarten yard was the imitative of Batumi International University Hospital, while the City
Hall ensured that the information about it was disseminated by news agencies and in social media.
According to Sharadze, the City Hall did not incur any financial expenses in connection to the event.13

Kareli
Under the auspices of Kareli Municipality Gamgeoba, doctors from the Eristavi National Center of
Experimental and Clinical Surgery, specializing in a range of different areas, provided preventive
medical examinations for the population of Kareli on August 9. Patients had free access to services of
doctors specializing in different areas. They also received free medicines and insulin measurement
devices. A total of 90 beneficiaries received medical services. Municipality Gamgebeli Zaza Guliashvili
stated that the event was not funded from the municipal budget but rather, the preventive examinations
for locals were the initiative of the municipality and Gamgeoba provided a space and equipment.

Mestia
On July 30, medical examinations were performed free of charge in Mestia. The event was organized
by the Center for Coordination of Emergency Coordination and Assistance and the information about it
was published on the website of the Center. About 15 doctors specializing in different areas performed
free medical assistance for locals; patients also received medicines prescribed by these doctors free of
charge.14

XV. Public Meetings and Pre-Election Promises of Electoral Subjects

ISFED long-term observers are monitoring pre-election campaign of political parties in all electoral
districts. ISFED records meetings that observers attended personally.
ISFED observers attended 82 public meetings of electoral subjects that took place during the period of
July 24 September 4, 2017.
Number of public meetings by political parties:
1. Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia - 9;
2. United National Movement - 28;
3. Movement for Freedom European Georgia 40;
4. Davit Tarkhan-Mouravi, Irma Inashvili, Alliance of Patriots of Georgia 3;
5. United Democratic Movement (Burjanadze) 2.

13
See the inforamtion published on the website of Ozurgeti Municipality, available at: http://bit.ly/2wL0csZ
14
http://www.interpressnews.ge/ge/regioni/445594-mestiashi-ufaso-samedicino-gasinjvebis-aqcia-
gaimartha.html?ar=A

20
ISFED observers also record pre-election promises made by candidates and/or political parties during
these public meetings, as outlined below:

Georgian Dream Democratic Georgia

Completing infrastructural projects and initiating new ones:

o Improving road infrastructure in particular, restoring Ambrolauri-Tsageri-Kutaisi
road, building roads that would connect Tsageri and Lentekhi municipalities to the
center of the region Ambrolauri;
o Construction of the railway to Kopitnari Airport will be finished next year and Kutaisi
will be restored to its past glory and become the center of the region.

Promoting regional development:

o Development of viticulture; promotion of tourism and development of guesthouses.

United National Movement

Completing infrastructural projects and initiating new ones:
o Relocating the railway in Tbilisi;
o Completing projects that have been initiated;
o Attracting investors to Avlabari area;
o Developing infrastructure and creating recreational areas;
o Rehabilitating water system in Matsmi village and improving local roads.

Promoting regional development:

o Effective spending of the budget and returning GEL 2 million back to the central budget;
solving important problems in Akhaltsikhe;
o Rehabilitating natural gas, drinking and irrigation water systems as well as roads in rural
areas of Kaspi Municipality;
o Developing agriculture, creating refrigeration and storage facilities and processing
plants;
o Solving the problem of drinking water in Kareli Municipality and installing outdoor
lighting.

Solving social and economic problems:

o Reinstating allowance for the socially vulnerable and creating a special insurance
package;
o Creating and funding sports clubs for the youth;
o Creating jobs for the youth.

Movement for Freedom European Georgia

Completing infrastructural projects and initiating new ones:
o Improving infrastructure, restoring outdated apartment buildings and houses;
o Solving the problem of Khrushovkas by partnering up with investors;
o Solving employment problem for locals;
o Rehabilitating Khulo-Akhaltsikhe road;
o Improving basic living conditions, yards, entrances, communications;
o Founding general assemblies in villages and creating advisory councils;
o Solving the problem of drinking water;
o Conducting transportation reform;
o Relocating railway transportation outside the city.

21
 Promoting regional development:
o Rehabilitating Khulo-Akhaltsikhe road;
o Improving Khulo hospital (improving the hospital interior and medical services)
o Reviving Tskaltubo as a resort and fully utilizing its potential;
o Building a footbridge on the road from Melaani (in Gurjaani Municipality) to
Metromsheni;
o Creating a central park in Tbilisi;
o Upgrading public transport with eco-friendly fleet.

Solving social and economic problems:

o Abolishing bonuses and supplementary pays in city halls, Sakrebulos and Gamgeobas;
abolishing bureaucratic expenses in all districts where the party wins in the self-
government elections. This will free up financial resources to provide pension
supplement of GEL 50 to locals (gradual increase of pension); pensions will be
increased by GEL 20 in Ozurgeti;
o Reducing allotments for bureaucratic expenses in the budget of Tkibulo Municipality,
which will free up financial resources to increase pension (GEL 25 increase of pension
in Tkibuli);
o Restoring and increasing (by GEL 50) social benefits;
o Solving basic housing problems, improving entrances, elevators and communications;
o Improving social conditions, creating many jobs;
o Reducing the rate of natural gas;
o Creating 35,000 new jobs;
o Bringing down property taxes;
o Promoting small businesses.

The United Democratic Movement

New staff and new team will take care of todays challenges;
Eliminating nepotism and giving preference to professional candidates.

22
 XVI. About the Monitoring Mission

The International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) conducts the pre-election
monitoring in all electoral districts of Georgia through 70 long-term observers.

Monitoring of the pre-election period covers the following important areas:

Election administration activities;
Public meetings of electoral subjects and their political activities;
Promises made by electoral subjects to voters;
Cases of harassment/threats or alleged politically motivated dismissals;
Possible instances of vote buying;
Cases of misuse of administrative resources;
Formation of voter lists, etc.

During the monitoring ISFED relies on public information requested from administrative bodies, as well
as information provided by electoral subjects, media, NGOs and individual citizens. ISFED verifies each
report by interviewing witnesses and all sides of the incident.

In addition to monitoring, ISFED reports violations during meetings of the Inter-Agency Commission
for Free and Fair Elections to ensure that further actions are taken in a timely manner.

ISFED periodically informs public about pre-election incidents and trends through statements and
reports.

ISFED maps all reports of pre-election incidents and possible violations on the interactive incident map
available at the Georgian Elections Portal: http://www.electionsportal.ge/eng/.

Any citizen can report a possible violation to the Elections Portal by sending a text to a toll-free number
90039 or by submitting information at http://www.electionsportal.ge/eng/new_incident.

ISFED conducts the pre-election observation through the support of the United States Agency for
International Development (USAID) and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

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