Parliament to Continue Discussion of Election Code

(Tbilisi, July 29, 2003, Civil Georgia) – At the Parliamentary special session today MPs will continue discussion of the Election Code by second and third hearings.

Parliament already approved the code by first hearing on July 24, taking into account the recommendations of the US administration.

The Revival, Industrialists and the part of pro-Presidential Parliamentary factions, which were against the proposed code, seek to introduce major amendments to the principles of the rule of composition of the Central Election Commission (CEC). The Revival and the Industrialists want four and two seats in the CEC respectively.

Acco!
rding to the Election Code, approved by first hearing the chairman will be nominated by OSCE and approved by the CEC members. 5 members will be appointed by the President and the remaining 9 seats will be distributed evenly among the following opposition parties: Revival, Industrialists, New Rights, National Movement, United Democrats, Labor Party, Unity, Traditionalists and supporters of the ex-President Zviad Gamsakhurdia. Each opposition party will have one member in the CEC.