991,651 citizens, 28.22% of the total number of voters, have cast their ballots in the municipal elections by 15:00, five hours before the polls close, according to the Central Election Commission (CEC). The vote is proceeding with scant credible observation, and the boycott of part of the mainstream opposition.
The highest voter turnout was again recorded in the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region, where 46.97% of the electorate had already voted by 15:00. The lowest voter turnout was registered in Tbilisi – 22.14%.
“The voting process is taking place mainly in a calm and professional environment, with only isolated incidents being reported that will not affect the overall course of the elections,” CEC spokesperson Natia Ioseliani said at the briefing, announcing the turnout.
Ioseliani said five complaints had been filed with district election commissions, mainly relating to the rules for photo and video recording, the setup of polling stations, and the documentation of voters outside polling stations.
In the 2021 local polls, which carried an added meaning of a “referendum” on snap elections, the 15:00 nationwide turnout rate stood at 33.18%, while the final turnout amounted to 51.92%. In the 2017 local elections, the 15:00 nationwide voter turnout rate stood at 29.84%, while the final turnout amounted to 45.65%
In the 2024 parliamentary elections, the 15:00 nationwide voter turnout rate came in at 41,62%.
