MEPs cite adoption of Georgian election bill as ‘important milestone’ in development of democratic life
MEPs expressed hope that ‘this positive momentum will continue’ for the votes on the electoral reform. Photo: EP.
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MEP Marina Kaljurand, who chairs the delegation to the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Association Committee, and the European Parliament’s standing rapporteur on Georgia, MEP Sven Mikser have welcomed the adoption of the Georgian election bill yesterday, stating that the passing of the constitutional amendments is ‘an important milestone in the development of Georgia’s democratic life.’
We welcome the historic step that the parliament of Georgia has made by enacting the constitutional amendments on the electoral system that will be applicable for the next parliamentary elections in October. Georgian MPs have cleared the third and final reading by casting 117 votes in favour out of 150. This is an important milestone in the development of Georgia’s democratic life,” said the MEPs.
They expressed their hope that ‘this positive momentum will continue’ for the votes on the electoral reform aim at incorporating past OSCE/ODIHR recommendations on 1 and 2 July.
We call on all the main political parties to take part in the spirit of the 8 March agreement and contribute to depolarising Georgia’s political environment. We also take the opportunity to congratulate our Georgian friends on the 6th anniversary of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement. Building on Georgia’s impressive, multifaceted reform track, we expect to see the further consolidation of the rule of law and good governance in this key partner country, and witness free and fair elections,” said the MEPs.
117 MPs voted for the bill which was drafted per the March 8 election agreement between the Georgian Dream ruling party and the united opposition, in talks mediated by the diplomatic corps.
The European Georgia and the United National Movement opposition parties refused to participate in the vote.
The ruling Georgian Dream party and the united opposition have reached an agreement on holding the upcoming parliamentary elections this October with 120 seats in the legislative body to be distributed via a proportional vote and the remaining 30 via the majoritarian system.
The US Department of State and the co-rapporteurs of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) for the monitoring of Georgia, have welcomed the ‘historic adoption’ of constitutional amendments by the Georgian parliament earlier today.
The Georgian parliament has passed the election bill drafted with the mediation of the diplomatic corps in its third and final reading earlier today. 117 MPs voted for and three went against the bill which will institute a more proportional electoral system for this autumn’s parliamentary elections. The United National Movement and European Georgia opposition parties refused to participate in the vote, stating that with the continued incarceration of the co-founder of opposition-minded TV channel Giorgi Rurua, the ruling party ‘did not fully abide by the March 8 election agreement.’
High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell Fontelles, has welcomed the adoption of the constitutional amendments by the Georgian parliament yesterday.
Member of the European Parliament, Co-President of the Euronest PA, Andrius Kubilius has welcomed the adoption of Georgian constitutional amendments on June 29 which will ensure more proportional electoral system for the autumn parliamentary elections.
The Georgian parliament is discussing amendments to the country’s electoral code which come following the adoption of the election bill on June 29.