The Legal Issues Committee has approved the controversial legislative package on banning political parties during its second reading, increasing a chance of it getting adopted. The amendments, introduced by the ruling Georgian Dream faction, will now head to the plenary session for consideration later this week.
Under the proposed changes, the Constitutional Court would have a power to ban a political party if its “declared purpose, essence of activity, and personnel composition” mirror those of a party previously outlawed by the court.
The draft also imposes stricter timelines on the court. Decisions on lawsuits concerning a party’s constitutionality must be delivered within nine months of filing. In the case of lawsuits filed during an election period, the court would be required to rule within just 14 days.
