Ruling party to discuss opposition’s offer on election constituencies

The ruling Georgian Dream (GD) has stated that they will discuss the offer of opposition parties on dividing the country into 10 majoritarian constituencies for 2020 parliamentary elections instead of existing 73. 

The decision came after the second, five-hour meeting between the ruling party and the opposition, mediated by diplomatic corps, yesterday to ease the current tension in the country sparked by the rejection of the GD-proposed election bill on November 14 regarding the early move to a fully proportional electoral system starting from 2020 instead of 2024.

The opposition, which took took to the streets the same day of the rejection, is now demanding mixed electoral system for the 2020 elections based on the German model, which distributes seats in parliament based on votes received in proportional elections. However, the ruling party says that the model contradicts the current Georgian constitution.

Today, the opposition has voiced an absolutely new offer for 2020 elections and we will discuss the offer and announce our decision during the next meeting with the opposition parties which will take place in two weeks,” former Parliament Speaker Irakli Kobakhidze stated after the meeting.

Up to 30 opposition parties are against of retaining of the existing, mixed electoral system for 2020 parliamentary elections in Georgia. Photo: netgazeti.ge. 

Leader of the European Georgia opposition party Giga Bokeria said that the ruling party’s decision to discuss the offer regarding the decrease of election constituencies is “because of the pressure of the international community.” 

What is the opposition’s offer?

As of now Georgia has a mixed electoral system with 77 MPs elected proportionally, based on a party-list system, while remaining 73 are elected in 73 single-mandate constituencies. 

The opposition offers the creation of multi-mandate election constituencies - 10 instead of existing 73.

From each of the 10 constituencies will be elected about six-eight majoritarian MPs and finally the country will have 73 majoritarian MPs again.

The difference is that the parties will be able to present as many candidates as they wish in each election constituency. However, the number must not be more than the maximum number of candidates who should be elected in the constituency. 

If the constituency must have eight MPs, the winners will be the eight candidates who will receive the most votes in the constituency, and there will be no need of the second-round of elections.

As of now a candidate must receive at least 51 per cent of votes to gain a majoritarian mandate. Otherwise a second round of elections is scheduled.