President Hails Adoption of New Election Code

(Tbilisi, August 11, 2003, Civil Georgia) – “The Georgian Parliament took an important step towards transparent and democratic elections,” President Shevardnadze said in his radio broadcast on August 11, while commenting on Parliament’s adoption of the Central Election Commission’s rule of composition on August 5.

He affirmed the decision made by Georgian MPs, adding that the new rule fully complies with Baker’s plan.

On August 5, a Parliamentary special ses!
sion adopted amendments to the Election Code, considering in particular the rule for the composition of the Central Election Commission (CEC).

The rule, which was supported by the pro-Presidential parliamentary factions, Industrialists, and Revival Unionists, dictates that the composition of the CEC will consist of five members of the Presidential-backed election alliance, three members of the Revival Union, and two members of the Industrialists. Labor, United Democrats, National Movement and New Rights parties will each be allowed to have one representative.

The opposition Unity, Traditionalists parties, as well as representatives of the former President Zviad Gamsakhurdia will not be allowed to have a seat in the CEC.

The opposition claims that the adopted rule contradicts the U.S.-suggested election guidelines, because under the approved proposa,l the CEC will not be composed on a parity basis.

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