The MP Irakli Kobakhidze overviewed the main directions of the electoral reform in Georgia at the Regional Parliamentary Conference organized by PACE and Venice Commission.

He introduced the information about the recent electoral reform and answered the questions. “In terms of inculcation of the reform, Georgia is recognized as the leader country. Our Government undertakes various reforms and since 2012, we have changed many approaches and practices. We have established the fair election practice and maintenance of democratic practice is paramount in terms of free and fair elections. In 2017, we have implemented significant Constitutional changes to result in enactment of the proportional electoral system in 2020. We word on the electoral reform based on OSCE/ODIHR recommendations. Since the Presidential Elections 2018, we have adopted the document concluding 27 recommendations by OSCE/ODIHR related to amending the legislation and improvement of practice. In this view, we have set up the working group and held the meetings. One of the important aspects of the recommendations is concerning the misuse of administrative resources. At present, this issue is regulated and we apply strict regulations regarding the public servants. However, the challenges remain and we are committed to introducing new changes to the election law. It is noteworthy that the public servants have been monopolized before 2012 by the ruling party. One of the recommendations was concerning restrictions related to activity in the social network. Public servants are active users and like and share the political posts. Although it has no direct impact on the elections, restriction is still under consideration. Yet another request related to stricter regulation on participation of the Ministries and their Deputies in the electoral campaign. Naturally, they cannot be recognized as the administrative resource as they are more attributed to the political resource and take direct part in the campaign in every developed country. We keep the discussions and considerations of the electoral reform and this Conference is a good opportunity to share the European experience and further improve our legislation”, - he noted.

The second session of the Conference was on “Recurrent Cases of Misuse of Administrative Resources during Electoral Processes: Practical Aspects”.

The Member of German Bundestag and the Member of PACE, Andrej Hunko and the Member of Venice Commission, Richard Barrett delivered the reports.

Tomorrow, the Conference will resume the agenda.