Parliament Backs Draft Constitutional Amendments in First Reading

The Parliament of Georgia has supported the draft constitutional amendments in the first reading, with 136 votes for and 5 against. 

As a result of the above, the 2020 parliamentary elections will be held maximally close to the proportional system.

Based on the draft amendments, the 2020 parliamentary elections will be held under a mixed electoral system (120 proportional, 30 majoritarian) and with a 1% threshold.

The draft amendments also provide the so-called 40% locking mechanism, meaning that a party which receives less than 40.54% support under the proportional system will not be able to form an independent government.

The National Movement faction refused to take part in the vote, noting that they would not support the constitutional amendments in the second and third readings unless the government releases Giorgi Rurua, the founder of the opposition-minded Mtavari Arkhi TV, who still remains in custody. Members of European Georgia changed their decision not to participate yesterday.

Georgia's international partners have responded to the Parliament's decision to support the bill in the first reading, claiming that this is an important first step towards greater parliamentary pluralism. 

“I counted 142 votes behind the constitutional deal after 8 March. Welcome that Parliament today cleared first reading with 136 votes. I hope all sides will take responsibility to ensure its final success”, Carl Hartzell, the EU Ambassador to Georgia, tweeted.

Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger has responded to the approval of the first reading of constitutional amendments in Georgia.

“Congratulations Georgia! A long road, but well worth it. To PM Gakharia, Speaker Talakvidze, leaders of the Opposition, and the citizens of Georgia, we stand with you!”, Kinzinger tweeted.

The US Embassy in Tbilisi has released a statement regarding the electoral reform and congratulated the MPs on receiving a joint decision. 

“The US Embassy Tbilisi congratulates the Members of Parliament who today approved the first reading of Constitutional amendments related to Georgia’s electoral system. It is an important first step towards greater parliamentary pluralism. We hope the amendments will be adopted with broad support, and encourage all sides to fully implement the March 8 agreement”, reads the statement.

"Good to see that the Georgian parliament cleared the first reading with 136 votes as it is a clear, positive signal. I encourage all parties to the 8 March agreement to vote in favor in line with their commitment, for the greater interest of Georgia", MEP Marina Kaljurand tweeted.

By Ana Dumbadze 

Related Story: Georgia's Int'l Partners Assess Opposition Leaders' Release