Georgia’s Parliament has approved the draft of a new version of the Election Code in its third and final reading. The legislation was initiated and authored by Georgian Dream MPs Archil Gorduladze, Tornike Cheishvili, Aleksandre Tabatadze, Davit Matikashvili, Rati Ionatamishvili, Aluda Gudushauri, Tengiz Sharmanashvili, Guram Macharashvili, and Akaki Aladashvili.
One of the key changes introduced by the new electoral legislation is the abolition of polling stations abroad for parliamentary elections. Georgian citizens residing overseas will no longer be able to vote at foreign polling stations, as parliamentary elections—similar to municipal elections—will now be conducted exclusively within Georgia.
The revised code also limits the nomination of candidates by political parties. Under the new rules, parties will be allowed to nominate only their own members in both parliamentary and municipal elections. The nomination of non-party candidates will be permitted solely through initiative groups.
The legislation further clarifies regulations on photo and video recording at polling stations. According to the adopted draft, individuals authorized to be present at polling stations, as well as those entitled to attend election commission sessions, will be allowed to take photographs, but without audio recording.
Changes are also introduced to the rules on expulsion from polling stations on election day. Individuals expelled from a polling station will be barred from entering any other polling station, and the election administration will keep a record of such cases.
In addition, the candidate registration process is being simplified. The requirement to submit a registration card is being removed. Instead of submitting both a registration card and a declaration of party affiliation, candidates will now only be required to complete a consent form to participate in the elections, which will include information on residency requirements and party affiliation.
The new Election Code also introduces restrictions on election commission membership. Individuals with criminal convictions, including those sentenced by a court to pay a fine, will be prohibited from serving as members of election commissions.
Image: IPN
