PM Gakharia: Georgia will have a proportional electoral system starting 2024

Calling it a democratic step forward, Gakharia told journalists that it was the decision of the ruling Georgian Dream party to move from the current mixed system to a proportional one. Photo: PM's press office

Agenda.ge, 16 Nov 2019 - 13:58, Tbilisi,Georgia

Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia spoke of the importance of a proportional electoral system yesterday, saying it would “qualitatively change” the political culture in Georgia.

Calling it a democratic step forward, Gakharia told journalists that it was the decision of the ruling Georgian Dream party to move from the current mixed system to a proportional one.

We should remember that the country will have a proportional system as we have stated it in the constitution starting 2024”, Gakharia stated.

He then underscored that the ruling party will keep this promise, which they have enshrined in the state constitution.

Gakharia also referred to the ongoing protest rallies in front of the parliament of Georgia, triggered by MP's rejection of the Georgian Dream-proposed election bill.

He said, everyone in this country has the freedom of expression and the state will ensure this right.

Demonstrators at Rustaveli avenue demand holding snap proportional elections conducted by an interim government. Photo: 1TV

President Salome Zurabishvili also released a statement on the recent developments in the country, calling on the ruling party and opposition to avoid “a new wave of destabilisation”.