TBILISI, DFWatch–All election precincts in Georgia opened at 08:00 in the morning, according to Central Election Commission (CEC), and the election is proceeding peacefully.

Voter turnout was 19.81 % by 12:00, according to the CEC.

Most government officials and opposition leaders voted in the morning.

Arriving at the precinct to cast his vote accompanied by his wife and children, Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili said he voted for the welfare of each citizen of Georgia.

“I am certain that our citizens will make a choice for a better future for Georgia,” he said.

President Giorgi Margvelashvili came to vote flanked by his parents. He said that he voted for a multi-party parliament (see video).

“I am delighted that the precinct is filled with people and there is peace,” the president told DFWatch.

Speaker of Parliament and Republican Party member Davit Usupashvili said he made a choice and will be responsible for that choice. He was accompanied by his wife, former Defense Minister Tina Khidasheli, and their children.

“I wish that you all make a free choice and be responsible for this choice.”

Davit Bakradze from the National Movement expressed confidence that Georgian citizens will turn out to vote.

“I am sure that today we will have peaceful and honorable election, as it has to be in our country,” he said.

Leader of the Free Democrats Irakli Alasania said today it is a historic chance to have honorable people in parliament for the next four years. Casting his vote in Gori, a town close to the capital, he expressed confidence that the election would be peaceful.

“I voted for a better future, better courts and better economy,” he said.

Sandra Roelofs, majoritarian candidate of the National Movement and former first lady, said that today it will be decided whether Georgia will be saved or not.

“I voted for the peaceful force, which will get to work from tomorrow and fulfill its promises. I am sure that everyone will make such a correct decision,” she remarked.

Former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili voted in Tbilisi. He told journalists that he voted for freedom, rapid development and welfare. He said the voter turnout is very important and ‘has to be’ very high, but added that the most important thing is that te majority of people makes a choice based on their minds, not emotions or belief.

Catholicos Patriarch Ilia II also voted in Tbilisi. He called on people to vote. He was accompanied by priests and guard, didn’t go through the required procedure of marking and brought sweets, drinks and candles to members of the precinct and blessed people in a short comment after voting.