President Calls for Consultations over Constitutional Changes

The President of Georgia, Giorgi Margvelashvili has offered the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) and the opposition parties to start consultations over the Constitution changes, which will be made to the country’s main legislative document, adopted only a few days ago.

The offer was voiced by the President’s Press Speaker, Eka Mishveladze on Wednesday. She said the consultations will launch at 16:00 on Thursday.

Mishveladze explained that a new constitution, adopted by the parliament on September 25, needs some changes, adding even the majority has expressed such wish.

“We have focused on the errors many times. Not only the President but the whole opposition has stressed the problems together with NGOs and the Venice Commission. The governmental team also demands changes to the newly-adopted constitution. As the President always aimed to adopt the constitution jointly, he offers consultations to all,” the press speaker stated.

The parliament of Georgia approved the constitution draft by 117 votes on Tuesday.

The amendments, which will come into force after the 2018 presidential election, envisage moving to a classical parliamentary model.

The changes also implies introduction of a fully proportional electoral system from 2024, while the next 2020 elections will still be held under the existing mixed electoral system and with one-time 3% election barrier.

As for presidential elections, according to a new constitution, the President will be elected indirectly, by special electoral boards composed of 150 MPs, all members of the Supreme Council of the Autonomous Republics and voters named by the parties according to the results of the recent local self-government elections.

However, in 2018 the direct presidential elections will be held in order to elect the president for 6-year term.

By Thea Morrison

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