‘Hard Talks’ on Election Code

Differences over amendments to the election code persist not only between the opposition and the ruling party, but also among the opposition parties themselves.

Closed door talks on the issue were held between Vice Speaker Mikheil Machavariani and representatives from the Conservative, Republican, New Rights and Industrialists parties on November 14.

The main point of contention between the sides is the composition of the election administrations.

The ruling National Movement party is proposing that the Central Election Commission (CEC) have six representatives from six opposition parties (New Rights, Industrialists, Labor, Freedom, Republicans and Conservatives) and seven, including the chairman, from the ruling party. In lower level election administrations, in particular Precinct Election Commissions, the government is suggesting that only two opposition parties – the New Rights and Industrialists – have representation.

The New Rights and Industrialists seem amenable to the government’s proposals.

Other opposition parties, however, remain unhappy. “We demand that the CEC be composed on a parity basis. It means that the ruling and opposition parties should have equal representation,” Zurab Marakvelidze of the Republican Party said. He added that “the talks are being held in a difficult manner.”

“At this point all the issues remain open,” MP Kakha Kukava of the Conservative Party told Civil.Ge on November 14 after the talks. He said that talks with Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze would resume on November 15, “wherein a final agreement will have to be made.” 

In a positive note, MP Mamuka Katsitadze of the New Rights Party said that the sides’ positions on many issues had narowed.

The parliamentary committee for legal issues is expected to discuss draft amendments to the election code on November 15. The session was initially planned for November 14.

This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian)