Ruling GD Names Deputy-Auditor General As Candidate for Public Defender’s Post
The ruling Georgian Dream (GD) has named Nino Lomjaria, Deputy-Auditor General and former Executive Director of Georgian Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) - International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED), as a candidate for the position of the Public Defender of Georgia.
“Nino Lomjaria will be a very critical ombudsman. She is an objective person, professional and a good lawyer. That is why the parliamentary majority decided that she would be nominated as a candidate for the Public Defender’s post,” GD MP Mamuka Mdinaradze stated.
Parliamentary opposition party the United National Movement (UNM) says they have not decided yet whether to support Lomjaria’s candidacy or not. However, the party leader, Nika Melia said they will likely express their support, if the consultations with the candidate are successful.
Meanwhile, another opposition party, European Georgia says they will not support the candidate, nominated by the ruling party.
“We do not have any personal problems with this candidate. We have a problem with the majority, which named the candidate without holding consultations with the opposition parties,” Otar Kakhidze, member of the party stressed.
Majority of the NGOs have welcomed nomination of Lomjaria as the candidate for Ombudsman’s position, as she [Lomjaria] is one out of four candidates, offered by the NGOs for this post.
“We welcome nomination of a female candidate on the Public Defender’s post, as female representation in Georgia is very low. Nino Lomjaria, along with other candidates offered by us, is distinguished with high principles, good qualification and reputation. We hope that Lomjaria's candidacy will be supported by the parliamentary opposition, which will increase the legitimacy of the Public Defender,” the NGOs stated.
Current Public Defender, Ucha Nanuashvili’s term expires on December 7. If supported by the parliament, Lomjaria will take the post for five years.
By Thea Morrison