UNM’s Kirtadze fined and removed from CEC for ‘interference in activities’

Davit Kirtadze, a United National Movement (UNM) representative and member of Georgia’s Central Election Commission (CEC), has been fined 500 GEL for “interference in the commission’s functions and activities.” The CEC press office confirmed that the decision resulted in Kirtadze’s automatic dismissal and barred him from holding any CEC-related position for the next four years.

The complaint against Kirtadze was filed by the CEC and presented in Tbilisi City Court by Giorgi Santuriani, Head of the CEC’s Legal Department. Santuriani explained Kirtadze’s alleged interference, stating:

“There was interference in the commission’s activities and functions, disrupting operations. The session was halted for 30 minutes, and the chairperson could not perform his duties.”

Kirtadze’s lawyer, Ivane Petriashvili, contested the CEC’s claims, arguing that the accusations were unsubstantiated. Nevertheless, the court upheld the CEC’s position and imposed the fine. Petriashvili criticized the decision to bring the matter to court, asserting that such issues should be resolved internally. He claimed the legal action was calculated to ensure Kirtadze’s removal.

“The purpose of bringing this case to court was solely to establish that Kirtadze’s actions constituted a violation, allowing the CEC to pursue his dismissal through legal channels,” Petriashvili said.

The controversy stems from an incident on November 16, during a CEC summary session, when Kirtadze sprayed black paint on CEC Chair Giorgi Kalandarishvili. Kirtadze later described his act as a protest against what he alleged were “forged” parliamentary elections.