On 15-17 November 2023, a study visit of the Georgian Central Election Commission to the Bulgarian Central Election Commission took place on the topic of Digital Solutions in Electoral Processes: Lessons Learnt, Challenges and Steps Forward.

The focus of the study visit was upon the practical challenges and solutions of a digital era in the field of elections. The topic is a priority for the Georgian Election Commission considering that the 2024 Georgian Parliamentary Elections will be conducted with the use of new electronic machines nationwide.

The Deputy Chairperson of the Central Election Commission of Georgia, Mr Giorgi Sharabidze, chaired the delegation comprised of the Georgian election officials. Ms Kamelia Neikova, Chairperson of the Bulgarian Central Election Commission, as well as Bulgarian Central Election Commission Members hosted the delegation.

The study visit proved to be an effective platform for peer-to-peer exchange among the high-level election officials and decision makers. The Bulgarian Central Election Commission Members and the Bulgarian Information Services presented an overview of the Bulgarian electoral system to their Georgian counterparts with a specific focus upon application and usage of voting technologies. The study visit provided an effective platform to analyze practical experiences, share possible options for future solutions aimed at closer alignment of domestic electoral processes with European standards, including in the field of information and communication technology and elections. 

The impact upon voter engagement in relation to the usage of electronic machines, existing information services, information and cyber protection, risk mitigation, and other practices were reviewed throughout the study visit.

The study visit was organised within the framework of the Council of Europe Project “Supporting Transparency, Inclusiveness and Integrity of Electoral Practice and Process in Georgia”.