The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) has heavily criticized a draft law created by the ruling party Georgian Dream, warning that the proposed changes are a serious threat to Georgia’s democratic system and political diversity.
The amendments amendments target the Organic Laws on ‘Citizens’ ‘Political Associations’ and the “Constitutional Court of Georgia.” As GYLA puts it, the initiative’s goal is to ‘eliminate political opponents’ and ensure power under a single-party system.
“The proposed amendments contradict the principle of pluralistic democracy and disproportionately restrict not only existing political parties but also prevent the formation of new ones,” GYLA stated. The organization believes that the changes will result in the long-term elimination of the opposition and the emergence of a single-party authoritarian regime.
The draft law proposes banning so-called ‘successor’ parties, new political entities that share personnel or ideology with parties banned in the past. GYLA further warned that such vague criteria, coupled with a Constitutional Court’s connection to the ruling part, could be used to ban nearly any opposition force.
“Similarity in personnel does not automatically imply identical political goals,” the statement noted, criticizing the wide interpretative powers granted to the Court under the draft law. “The Constitutional Court, guided by political agendas, will be able to prohibit activities of any party deemed undesirable by the ruling party.”
GYLA also voiced concerns against shortened legal timelines, especially during election periods, when the courts are given just 14 days to consider party bans. Such an expedited process threatens due process and legal safeguards essential for fair political competition,” the group warned.
The organization’s statement concluded with asserting that proposed amendments reflect ‘anti-democratic propaganda’ and a deliberate effort to ‘purge’ the political field.
