**Election Commission Asks International Community Not to Ignore Assault on Chairman**
The Central Election Commission (CEC) is calling on international organizations and the diplomatic corps not to ignore a recent incident where the chairman of the commission was assaulted. The CEC’s deputy chairman, Giorgi Sharabidze, made this appeal at a briefing today.
According to Sharabidze, the attack on November 16, as well as ongoing bullying campaigns on social media and other actions, have gone beyond acceptable forms of protest. The chairman of the CEC, Giorgi Kalandarishvili, was painted with black paint by a representative of the “Unity – National Movement” party.
Sharabidze noted that the election administration has been targeted in personal attacks, which are intended to discredit and bully them. However, these actions do not prove any wrongdoing on the part of the CEC.
**Election Commission Seeks Investigation and International Support**
The CEC has called on international organizations and the diplomatic corps to evaluate the incident and express their positions in their final reports. The commission hopes that this will prevent a precedent from being set that would allow interference in the work of independent election administrators.
Sharabidze thanked foreign colleagues and representatives of other countries’ election administrations for their support and solidarity, saying it is essential for protecting the independence of election administrators and ensuring a safe and healthy election environment.
**Incident Details**
On November 16, at a session of the Central Election Commission, a representative of “Unity – National Movement” painted black paint on the chairman of the CEC. An investigation has been launched by the Ministry of Internal Affairs under Article 118 of the Criminal Code.
The CEC had also approved the summary minutes of the elections at this session.