In the upcoming parliamentary elections, Georgian citizens over the age of 18 have the opportunity to become observers. Being an observer means being directly involved in the electoral process and going one step further than the average voter to keep the results fair by helping voters understand how to properly cast their vote and making sure nothing is tampered with.
Although this opportunity has existed for a couple of elections already, registering as an observer has become significantly more popular in 2024 due to the existing political tensions in the country. To shed more light on what the role of an observer actually entails, the Gazette decided to interview Dato Gorgiladze.
Gorgiladze is a Georgian journalist, particularly famous for his show, where he interviews various Georgian socialites. გორგილაძის აუტანელი სიმსუბუქე (not to be confused with Milan Kundera’s iconic novel) previously aired on Pirveli Arkhi, however, it now operates on Youtube. But, rather than his journalistic expertise, the Gazette decided to focus on Gorgiladze’s choice to register as an observer, something that he has numerously shed light on on his social media.
When asked what drove him to offer his assistance specifically during these elections, Gorgiladze highlighted the fact that the result of these elections will largely determine which path Georgia will take in the future – The path of the EU or the path of Russia: “I believe that since Georgia became an independent state, there have never been elections as significant as this one. [...] I believe that we people now have the power to keep Georgia on the course that the nation has taken for a longer time, not just since gaining independence. And this path is on the western side.” When asserting his position, he made sure to emphasize that EU integration is not a new decision for Georgia, it is something the nation has strived for centuries: “Georgia historically chose this path; neither my generation nor my parents nor the ones before, but Georgia did. Mentally, Georgians are the preservers of European values, which I think are in danger today. Because of this, I believe that just participating in this year's elections and carrying out one's basic civic duties are not enough.”
While enthusiastically encouraging everyone, especially the young generation to vote, the journalist also talked about his personal experience, mentioning that in his younger years, he didn’t understand the importance of casting one’s vote: “This is why I decided to be involved in the elections more than before. Because I didn't think my one vote would make much of a difference and wasn't as engaged in politics when I was younger, I even skipped my first election. However, the importance of even one vote becomes more apparent as one grows and gains knowledge. I talk about this a lot because I don't want the youth to make the same mistakes I did.”
As for the registration process itself, Gorgiladze described it as “extremely simple,” as the only requirement is to fill out a simple questionnaire: “I made the decision, together with my friends, to go from district to district as part of a mobile observational group. Due to my time in Japan, I had to retake the first training because I missed it.” However, even prior to participating in the training, the journalist has some ideas as to what to look out for: “There are some things that we are aware of and should be careful about, such as how people meddle with the elections and the methods used to cause disturbances. Usually, in each new election, new methods are created, which is why it's critical to become far more aware and conscious. Seeing a story and then bringing it to the public has been my outlook for all of my life.”
When asked about the ethical duties an observer has, Gorgiladze explained, that he believes it’s the same simply following the same principles any good citizen should: “Voting is one of the duties a good citizen has, but they also have a responsibility to observe the issues that they are concerned about, passionate about, and interested in. If they're interested in the judicial branch they should observe it, if they're interested in the media they should monitor it, whether it's free or not, they should protect and know how awful censorship is. Aside from submitting a vote, every citizen has a duty to stand by the values that are significant to them and essential to democracy. Following the rules and, more importantly, as I already stated, becoming conscious of them.”
The journalist commented on the incorporation of new technologies in the election process, however, his opinion vastly differed from the answers offered by the Georgian CEC in the Gazette’s interview with them (View article with election administration of Georgia): “I believe that political parties are not doing a sufficient job of alerting the public about these shifting trends. For instance, I don't think they've adequately conveyed information to folks who don't watch TV or use social media. [...] I hope the election process provides a thorough explanation of it. Since this is the first time [we’ve used technology like this], I can't say for sure, but the vote-counting technology should be faster and more dependable. While I am unable to comment on the fairness of these methods, I believe that the counting procedure will be considerably simpler.”
Aside from the informational campaigns on new electoral technologies, Gorgiladze also critiqued the approaches taken to involve emigrants in the elections: “Several organizations showed that many immigrants lack the opportunity to participate in the electoral process, and I am aware that a large number of people have left Georgia. They are denied this fundamental human right. This is a privilege that should belong to everyone. For example, we are aware of countries where hundreds of thousands of Georgians reside, yet there are only two cities with open voting districts.” Here specifically, Gorgiladze is referencing the situation in the US. There are only two voting districts for the Georgian elections in the US, one on the west coast, and one on the East. He continues by saying that this is extremely harmful: “These are not small territories that are easily commutable for most people. To participate in the elections, some people have to leave their jobs and pay substantial costs. That's why I don't believe enough money has been spent [on involving emigrants]. Furthermore, [the CEC and political parties] seem to have misused their resources, in my opinion.”
Gorgiladze expressed his concern for press freedom in Georgia and how it may be affected after the elections: “If we take into account that I feel that these elections decide the future of our nation, if Georgia pursues the northern path, the way to Georgia's occupants, then human rights, freedom of speech, the freedom of choice, and freedom of the media are all in jeopardy.”
The interview was concluded with words of motivation for young, first-time voters: “I would advise [young voters] to cast their votes, and color in the party that their hearts are telling them to.”
Edited By: Tasia Kurdghelia
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