Venice Commission: Democratic Constitution Development Blocked
The President of the Venice Commission, Gianni Buquicchio, says there is no political consensus among Georgian political parties over the development of democratic constitution.
Buquicchio stressed that he is disappointed by the decision of the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party to delay the introduction of fully proportional election system until 2024, instead of 2020, as it was agreed after the work of the State Constitution Commission and consultations with the NGOs, opposition parties, society and the Venice Commission.
He also stated that Georgia is a European country with European aspirations and it should have a constitution based on a consensus and not only adopted by a parliamentary majority.
“I feel very, very disappointed. I feel more and more disappointed hour by hour[…]Unfortunately, you are experiencing crisis now. I am disappointed that the process has been blocked. I cannot see any possibility for a dialogue between the parties. Talk to each other – this will be my message,” Buquicchio said after holding meetings with the governmental official, President, opposition parties and NOGs.
According to him all the sides must take responsibility and do their best to improve Georgian democracy.
“All opposition parties support more a democratic constitution for Georgia. They understand the current crisis and will do everything possible to overcome it[…]Georgians should find the best resolution to create a good constitution,” he reiterated.
Buquicchio remarked that the constitution project studied by the commission is good in general but the changes, which were made to it after the Venice Commission issued its conclusion, were not a good step.
“I call on all sides to show responsibility and do everything possible to improve democracy in Georgia,” he stated after the meetings.
Venice Commission approved the draft constitution of Georgia around a week ago, after it was shaped by the state-led Constitutional Commission, opposition parties, NGOs and nationwide discussions. The draft said that from 2020 Georgia would fully switch to proportional election system, instead of the existing mixed one.
However, after the Venice Commission issued its positive assessment, the ruling GD stated that the changes to the election system would be delayed until 2024. The step was followed by criticism from NGOs, opposition and President of Georgia. President Margvelashvili said that the current process harms Georgia’s democratic development and it should be immediately suspended.
“Let us start a constitutional process based on the dialogue, engagement and consensus,” he said at the meeting with Venice Commission President.
The PM Giorgi Kvirikashvili stated after meeting with Buquicchio that Georgia will have a constitution that will ensure a full value parliamentary governance model and a more effective government.
Irakli Kobakhidze, Parliament Speaker claims “the Constitution of Georgia will be not only legitimate, but it will be the most elaborated document to ensure Georgia's long-term development.”
By Thea Morrison