Georgian Gov’t initiates law change to better protect political parties

The Government of Georgia has approved a package of amendments to better protect political parties from internal confrontations and legal complications due to incorrect information and poor communication within parties.

Georgia’s Justice Minister Thea Tsulukiani today announced the legislative package had been drafted by her Ministry following appeals from political parties and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Georgia.  

According to the amendments, it would be obligatory for a notary official to be present at any important occasion facing a political party; when its established, during a party assembly and at all other important occasions.

Tsulukiani said the changes would prevent possible disputes over party-related issues by forcing parties to communicate within itself, 

especially when a person was dismissed from a role. The amendments would also stop parties from registering false or dated information on public documents. 

Justice Minister Thea Tsulukiani announced about changes in law. Photo by the Ministry of Justice of Georgia. 

We faced many problems in the Public Registry. When there were disputes between political parties one group made solutions about another group. Sometimes a chairperson [of a political party] is changed and that person doesn’t know they’ve been dismissed. These types of disputes are still ongoing at the court,” she said. 

We believe all political parties need stability and protection. This is why we made amendments to the legislation which will make it mandatory for a notary to be present when documents are signed when establishing a political party, during party assemblies and at all other important occasions where changes to documents occur.”

This way political party members, chairpersons and representatives will be protected from any future disputes. This is an important amendment and particularly so now that we are in the pre-election period. It is also important that this initiative belongs to political parties and non-governmental organisations." 

If the chances are approved, when any change is made within a political party, the party must present a legal documentation drafted by a notary at the Public Registry Service within ten days of the chance occurring.

Looking ahead Parliament of Georgia must confirm the Government-approved amendments.