Civil Society Organizations Address Parliament of Georgia

We, undersigned civil society organizations (CSOs) address you with the proposal and request to promptly form working group on election issues for the improvement of election environment in Georgia and for the absolute harmonization of the national legislation with international standards. Members of the Parliament and Government of Georgia, as well as representatives of all parties (political parties, international and local observation organizations, election administration) will take active part in the activities of the working group.

Years-long observation of the election process in Georgia exposed urgent necessity of improvement of some fundamental issues (election system, formation rule of the election administration, funding of political parties, etc). In order to improve situation in those fields, it is necessary to start open discussion and achieve common consensus. 

As you know the amendments developed in accordance with the international standards shall be introduced into the election law at least one year before the upcoming elections. In addition to that, in terms of ongoing constitutional reform in the country, if the aforementioned reform is implemented, corresponding amendments shall necessarily be reflected in the Constitution of Georgia too. Considering the aforementioned circumstances, it is urgently important to form a group working on election issues, which will start work in the fall of 2014.

We believe that improvement of election environment in the country can be achieved with joint effort of the participating actors. We think to use technical expertise and support of the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES) to conduct the process in the maximum constructive and working environment.

On our side, we are ready to actively participate in the work of the group to improve legislation and practice in the aforementioned fields.

Signatory CSOs

• Center of Development and Democracy- Ketevan Chachava

• Public Advocacy – Irina Putkaradze

• Election and Political Technologies Study Center – Kakha Kakhishvili 

• Article 42 of the Constitution – Elene Pileeva

• Human Rights Center – Aleksandre Tskitishvili

• International Center for Civic Culture – Kote Kandelaki