Parliament Discusses Election System’s Reform

(Tbilisi. April 24, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Parliament started today discussion of proposals regarding the reform of the election system and amendments to the Election Code.

There two drafts of amendments to the Election Code – the first one elaborated by the inter-fraction group of the Parliament and another one proposed by President Shevardnadze.

The President’s proposal causes protest of the opposition parties. It considers composition of the Central Election Commission with 11 members, 9 of them will be proposed for approval to the Parliament by President and two – by the authorities of the Adjarian and Abkhaz (in exile) Autonomous Republics.

The opposition parties, as well as Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze call the proposal “undemocratic.”

The draft of inter-fraction group of the Parliament supports the composition of Central Election Commission with the representatives of the political parties.

The opposition Parliamentary factions, as well as the inter-fraction group want to continue discussion of the draft, which is already adopted last year with the first hearing.

This draft considers composition of the CEC with the representatives of the political parties, which could clear 4% barrier in the 1999 Parliamentary and 2002 local self-governance elections, each representative from the Adjarian and Abkhazian Autonomous Republics and one member appointed by the President.

The inter-fraction group’s proposal also considers measures, including drafting the precise list of voters, aiming at conduction of the fair and democratic elections.

Related Stories:
Election Reform Bogged Down in Political Discussions
Presidential Proposal Slashes Hopes for Fair Elections

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