“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is making use of all available options to ensure that compatriots living abroad can vote easily and without obstacles” - Ilia Darchiashvili
“Ensuring democratic, free and internationally compliant elections is the main priority and task of our government. Active and comprehensive efforts are underway at both the legislative and election administration levels to achieve this goal, including the active involvement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs." - said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilia Darchiashvili during During a speech in Parliament in the context of an interpellation During a speech in Parliament in the context of an interpellation.
Darchiashvili mentioned that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs collaborates with the relevant unit of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to invite international observers for elections. Additionally, there is coordination with the Central Election Commission (CEC) on various issues to ensure the full exercise of the electoral rights of Georgian citizens living abroad.
The minister also elaborated on the purpose of placing Georgian citizens abroad on the consular register, citing the "Rule of placing on the consular register and removing from the consular register" approved by the order of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. This purpose includes protecting their rights and legal interests abroad and effectively implementing consular functions, which encompass various legal services provided by the state. Darchiashvili emphasized that being on the consular register serves more than just the right to vote.
"Consular registration data is used to ensure effective consular protection of Georgian citizens and to respond to their needs during global, regional or local crisis situations. We have had examples of this many times, including during the global pandemic", said Ilia Darchiashvili.
The minister also highlighted that consular registration is voluntary, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides numerous opportunities for citizens to register. These options include applying for consular registration through the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, making a personal announcement at a Georgian diplomatic mission or consular institution in their country of residence, or submitting an application by mail. Citizens are registered within a specific consular district, and there is no consular fee associated with registering, making the service entirely free of charge.
Ilia Darchiashvili highlighted the close communication and engagement between Georgian diplomatic missions/consular institutions and citizens living abroad. He mentioned that as part of the diaspora state policy, these institutions regularly hold meetings with compatriots in various formats, with this engagement becoming particularly intense in recent years. Consular institutions are in frequent communication with citizens, addressing their needs, rights, and providing various consular services.
Darchiashvili noted that consular officials make continuous efforts to explain the importance of consular registration to citizens. They emphasize that registering and participating in elections do not have any negative legal consequences for citizens; rather, it is aimed at responding to their needs and protecting their rights. However, despite these efforts, the minister expressed regret that the level of citizen participation in consular registration remains low.
Ilia Darchiashvili elaborated on the plans regarding consular registration in connection with the election process. He mentioned that, following the established practice in previous elections, the Central Election Commission of Georgia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, intends to launch an active information campaign targeting Georgian citizens abroad. This campaign will focus on the importance of consular registration for ensuring participation in elections, among other relevant topics.
Furthermore, Darchiashvili highlighted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conducted a significant information campaign in 2023 regarding the electronic consular activity management system, which includes the portal geoconsul.gov.ge. This campaign reached a considerable number of citizens, with around 980,000 people, representing 39.30% of citizens, being covered. The campaign included informative videos and aimed to educate the public about the portal and various consular services, including consular registration.
The head of the Foreign Ministry stated that during the parliamentary elections of 2020, a special search field was launched on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website. This feature allowed citizens to check whether they were registered on the consular register. Looking ahead to the parliamentary elections of 2024, the Ministry plans to provide citizens with a similar opportunity to verify their consular registration status using an online search tool on the Ministry's website.