Georgian Court Watch, with USAID Rule of Law Program support, initiated the second phase of its Citizen Court Monitoring Project which will evaluate the impartiality and independence of the judiciary, particularly in how it handles electoral disputes. The monitoring will take place during both the pre-election and post-election periods. The project will also monitor the activities of the High Council of Justice leading up to the elections.

In the month of August 2024, Georgian Court Watch team developed the project's methodology with the assistance of external experts including Maia Bakradze, from the Group of Independent Lawyers, and Irma Pavliashvili, the head of Open Space Caucasus. At the project’s working meeting, Maia Bakradze emphasized the importance of transparency in court proceedings during elections. According to Ms Bakradze „if court hearings are transparent and fair and judges consider disputes impartially and provide well-substantiated decisions, it will foster public trust in the election process and its results, helping to prevent political crises. Within this project, citizens will observe court proceedings themselves, sharing their perceptions alongside objective data.“

Irma Pavliashvili agreed that an independent and impartial judiciary can play a critical role in safeguarding voter rights and ensuring a fair election environment.

In August 31, 2024, the Georgian Court Watch completed the selection of 37 volunteer observers from across Georgia who will undergo training before beginning their monitoring activities by the mid September. One of the new observers, Giorgi Tatanashvili, stated,“It's essential for citizens to understand their role in establishing a fair judiciary. The contribution of each observer will be vital in this process.“

The monitoring will take place in cities including Tbilisi, Ambrolauri, Akhalkalaki, Akhaltsikhe, Batumi, Bolnisi, Gori, Gurjaani, Zestaponi, Zugdidi, Mtskheta, Ozurgeti, Rustavi, Senaki, Poti, Kutaisi, Khashuri, and Khelvachauri.

To ensure effective cooperation, the project will meet with representatives of political parties and civil society. Upon completion of the monitoring, Georgian Court Watch will publish a report which will includefindings and insights gained from the court monitoring activities.