The Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA) has filed a lawsuit with the Constitutional Court on behalf of Georgian emigrants living in France, challenging a recent amendment to the Election Code that bans the opening of polling stations in Georgian embassies and consulates abroad.
GYLA argues that the restriction contradicts the universal right to vote guaranteed under Article 24 of the Constitution of Georgia.
The organization says the regulation does not serve a legitimate constitutional purpose and creates “artificial financial and social barriers,” including travel costs and work-related constraints, which could prevent hundreds of thousands of emigrants from voting.
It adds that income earned by emigrants abroad is often essential for both them and their families.
The NGO also refers to Constitutional Court practice, which allows restrictions on voting rights for citizens abroad only when the state lacks the capacity to open polling stations in every city. GYLA notes that polling stations have historically been opened at Georgian embassies and consulates, where the state has both financial and administrative capacity to organise elections.
“These buildings are under Georgian jurisdiction, meaning the election administration can ensure free voting without interference from host countries,” the association says.
GYLA also says the ruling Georgian Dream party justifies the change as a measure to prevent foreign interference in elections.
The organization says it plans to continue strategic litigation on behalf of other groups of emigrants in the near future.
