a. Yes

Comments: The number of election constituencies established for elections of the Parliament of Georgia is 85 single-mandate election constituencies; 10 of these are in the city of Tbilisi, and 75 shall be established in accordance with the administrative-territorial division.
Source: Unified Election Code, article 15
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 08:18:32 GMT

c. The Electoral Management Body

Source: Unified Election Code, article 29, paragraph 3, subparagraph a
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 08:19:48 GMT

d. Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries

Comments: The number of election districts established for elections of the Parliament of Georgia is 85 single-mandate election districts; 10 of these are in the city of Tbilisi, and 75 shall be established in accordance with the administrative-territorial division.
Source: Unified Election Code, article 15 and article 16, paragraph 5 and 6
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 08:21:30 GMT

g. Not applicable

Source: Unified Election Code, article 15
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 08:22:14 GMT

d. Electoral management body

Comments: Central Electoral Commission.
Source: Unified Election Code, article 29, paragraph 3, subparagraph a
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 08:23:23 GMT

g. Changes in administrative boundaries

Source: Unified Election Code, article 15 and 16, paragraph 5 and 6
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 08:27:23 GMT

a. Name and Title: Hanna Berheim
b. Job Title: Research Assistant
c. Organisation: International IDEA

Last updated: 2006-11-29 16:29:03 UTC

b. Optional referendum

c. Citizens' initiative

Comments: C:5 "2. The people shall exercise their authority through referendum, other forms of direct democracy and their representatives." C:74 "1. At the request of the Parliament of Georgia, of not less than 200,000 electors or on his/her own initiative the President of Georgia shall schedule a referendum concerning the issues determined by the Constitution and the Organic Law within 30 days after receiving such a request. 2. The referendum shall not be held with the view of adopting or repealing law, in terms of amnesty or pardon, ratification or denunciation of international treaties and agreements, as well as the issues restricting the basic constitutional rights and freedoms of individuals. 3. Issues related to the scheduling and holding referendum shall be determined by the Organic Law."
Source: The Constitution of Georgia, art. 5(2) and 74; the Law of Georgia on Referendum
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:49:26 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-29 16:41:41 UTC

a. Constitutional

b. Specific laws/legislation

Source: The Constitution of Georgia, art. 5(2) and 74; the Law of Georgia on Referendum
Last updated: 2006-11-29 17:01:32 UTC

a. Constitutional

b. Specific laws/legislation

Comments: C:5 "2. The people shall exercise their authority through referendum, other forms of direct democracy and their representatives." C:74 "1. At the request of the Parliament of Georgia, of not less than 200,000 electors or on his/her own initiative the President of Georgia shall schedule a referendum concerning the issues determined by the Constitution and the Organic Law within 30 days after receiving such a request. 2. The referendum shall not be held with the view of adopting or repealing law, in terms of amnesty or pardon, ratification or denunciation of international treaties and agreements, as well as the issues restricting the basic constitutional rights and freedoms of individuals. 3. Issues related to the scheduling and holding referendum shall be determined by the Organic Law."
Source: The Constitution of Georgia, art. 5(2) and 74; the Law of Georgia on Referendum
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:49:26 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-29 17:01:32 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-29 17:01:32 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-29 17:03:30 UTC

a. Constitutional

b. Specific laws/legislation

Source: The Constitution of Georgia; the Law of Georgia on Referendum
Last updated: 2006-11-29 17:03:30 UTC

a. Constitutional

b. Specific laws/legislation

Source: The Constitution of Georgia; the Law of Georgia on Referendum
Last updated: 2006-11-29 17:03:30 UTC

f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:46:50 UTC

f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:46:50 UTC

a. All signatures checked

Comments: c) The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 11: "2. The signatures are collected on the paper of signature of sample, established by the central commission on referendum and agreed with the initiative group. Every such paper must be signed by not more than 50 civilians, which by their own hand put their name, surname, date of birth, the number of the document of identification, an address and the date of signature. Every paper filled up by the above mentioned data is signed by the person (indicating his address) which is responsible for signature collection, and his signature is attested in the notary bureau or in the body of local self government." The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 12: "2. The central commission on referendum checks the sending materials and if it considers that they do not contradict to the requests of present law represents to the President its conclusion and demand of the initiative group about carrying out the referendum not later then one month from the date of receipt the material. 3. If its established that the civilian twice or more then one time signed the statement about carrying out the referendum all his signatures are considered as invalid."
Source: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 11(2) and 12
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:49:26 UTC

a. All signatures checked

c. Other (specify)

Comments: c) The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 11: "2. The signatures are collected on the paper of signature of sample, established by the central commission on referendum and agreed with the initiative group. Every such paper must be signed by not more than 50 civilians, which by their own hand put their name, surname, date of birth, the number of the document of identification, an address and the date of signature. Every paper filled up by the above mentioned data is signed by the person (indicating his address) which is responsible for signature collection, and his signature is attested in the notary bureau or in the body of local self government." The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 12: "2. The central commission on referendum checks the sending materials and if it considers that they do not contradict to the requests of present law represents to the President its conclusion and demand of the initiative group about carrying out the referendum not later then one month from the date of receipt the material. 3. If its established that the civilian twice or more then one time signed the statement about carrying out the referendum all his signatures are considered as invalid."
Source: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 11(2) and 12
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:49:26 UTC

d. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:46:50 UTC

d. Other (specify)

Comments: d) The Central Commission on Referendum. The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 12: "2. The central commission on referendum checks the sending materials and if it considers that they do not contradict to the requests of present law represents to the President its conclusion and demand of the initiative group about carrying out the referendum not later then one month from the date of receipt the material. 3. If its established that the civilian twice or more then one time signed the statement about carrying out the referendum all his signatures are considered as invalid."
Source: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 12
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:49:26 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-29 17:03:30 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-29 17:03:30 UTC

Last updated: 2006-11-30 08:29:20 UTC

Last updated: 2006-11-30 08:29:20 UTC

b. Optional referendum 1995
c. Citizens' initiative 1995

Comments: The Constitution of Georgia, adopted in 1995 and amended in 2004.
Last updated: 2006-11-30 08:31:26 UTC

b. Optional referendum 1995
c. Citizens' initiative 1995

Comments: The Constitution of Georgia, adopted in 1995 and amended in 2004.
Last updated: 2006-11-30 08:31:26 UTC

e. Other (specify who)

Comments: e) The Central Commission on Referendum. The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 16: "1. Preparation and carrying out of referendum is provided by: a) the central commission on referendum b) district commissions on referendum 2. Performance of obligations of the central commission on referendum and district commissions on referendum is accordingly laid upon the central and electoral commissions for elections of the Parliament of Georgia. District commissions on referendum are formed by the central electoral commission in accordance with the law on elections of the Parliament of Georgia, in order established for making up electoral commissions. 3. The commissions on referendum stop working after the official announcement of the results of referendum."
Source: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 16
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:49:26 UTC

b. No

Last updated: 2006-11-30 08:33:42 UTC

c. No

Last updated: 2006-11-30 08:36:11 UTC

b. Yes, in some regions/states/provinces

Comments: b) There are formally no provisions for referendums to be held at regional level, but there have been referendums on the constitution in the region of Abkhazia.
Last updated: 2006-11-30 08:36:11 UTC

c. No

Last updated: 2006-11-29 17:31:54 UTC

c. No

Last updated: 2006-11-29 17:31:54 UTC

c. No

Last updated: 2006-11-29 17:31:54 UTC

c. No

Last updated: 2006-11-30 08:38:33 UTC

c. No

Last updated: 2006-11-30 08:38:33 UTC

c. No

Last updated: 2006-11-30 08:38:33 UTC

c. No

Last updated: 2006-11-30 08:38:33 UTC

c. No

Last updated: 2006-11-30 08:38:33 UTC

l. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 08:38:33 UTC

a. Constitutional amendments

c. Transfer of authority to international bodies

d. National sovereignty, national self-determination

e. Conflict between constitutional organs

f. Devolution

g. Civil service

h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments

i. Other public policy issues

j. Other (specify)

Comments: j) The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 3: "1. The questions of grate state importance may be put to the referendum, also the most important question and principles foreseen by the laws of Georgia, international treaties and agreements."
Source: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 3(1)
Last updated: 2006-11-30 08:29:20 UTC

b. Adoption of international treaties

j. Other (specify)

Comments: j) The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 3: "2. The referendum may not be carried out a) for adoption or repealing the law b) in connection with amnesty and pardon c) on ratification and denunciation of international treaties and agreements. d) on the questions limiting the basic constitutional rights and liberty of human."
Source: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 3(2)
Last updated: 2006-11-30 08:29:20 UTC

f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 08:38:33 UTC

c. President

d. Legislative majority

e. Registered electors

Comments: C:74 "1. At the request of the Parliament of Georgia, of not less than 200,000 electors or on his/her own initiative the President of Georgia shall schedule a referendum concerning the issues determined by the Constitution and the Organic Law within 30 days after receiving such a request." The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 4: "1. On the request of the Parliament of Georgia not less then 200,000 voters and the President of Georgia on the own initiative sets the referendum within 30 day’s term from receipt the requests on carrying out of the referendum."
Source: The Constitution of Georgia, art. 74(1); the Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 4
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:49:26 UTC

g. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 08:38:33 UTC

c. President

e. Registered electors

f. Other (specify who)

Comments: f) The Central Commission on Referendum. The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 9. "1. The referendum is set by the President of Georgia. 2. The referendum is prepared and carried out by the central commission on referendum." The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 10: "1. If the initiative of earring out the referendum belongs to the voters, the initiative group is made up. In the list of initiative group must be indicated the name, surname, residence of each of its members. The question put to the referendum must be formulated by the initiative group clearly and concretely."
Source: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 9-10
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:49:26 UTC

f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 08:44:42 UTC

a. The title of the proposal

d. The full text of the proposal

Comments: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 10: "1. If the initiative of earring out the referendum belongs to the voters, the initiative group is made up. In the list of initiative group must be indicated the name, surname, residence of each of its members. The question put to the referendum must be formulated by the initiative group clearly and concretely. 2. The initiative group applies for the central commission on referendum with the request to registrate the question, proposed for putting to the referendum by the initiative group. The formula of a question must be exacted in agreement with the initiative group. 3. The central commission on referendum and the composition of the initiative group, publishes the information about this and address of the group in the official press. 4. The question put to the referendum is included in the ballot papers of voters. 5. The certificate on registration is given out to the initiative group within one month’s term after its appealing for the registration. The refusal in registration is allowed if the demands of the present law are violated. 6. The initiative group can complain in the supreme court of Georgia within 5 days’ term after the refusal in registration. The supreme court considers the complaint within 5 days’ term and takes the final decision."
Source: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 10
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:49:26 UTC

f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 08:47:44 UTC

c. President

e. Other (specify who)

Comments: e) Central Commission on Referendum; or if the referendum is initiated by citizens', by the initiative group.
Source: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 9-10
Last updated: 2006-11-30 08:47:44 UTC

d. Not applicable X

Last updated: 2006-11-30 08:47:44 UTC

c. No quorom required X

Last updated: 2006-11-30 08:51:49 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 08:51:49 UTC

d. Other (specify below)

Comments: d) No requirements.
Last updated: 2006-11-30 08:51:49 UTC

e. Voting age

Comments: e) 18 years for voting in the national elections; 16 years for voting in the referendums. The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 2(1): "1. The right of participation in referendum has the civilians of Georgia, attaining 16 years for the date of referendum, without distinctions to race, skin, language, sex, religion, political and other views, nationalities, ethnic and social groups, o rigin, property, residence."
Source: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 2(1)
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:49:26 UTC

d. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:03:39 UTC

a. Always

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:03:39 UTC

a. Constitutional amendments

b. Legislative proposals

c. Other (specify)

Comments: c) All matters not excluded by the law.
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:03:39 UTC

d. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:03:39 UTC

b. Adoption of international treaties

j. Other (specify)

Comments: j) The same issues that are excluded for other referendums. The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 3: "2. The referendum may not be carried out a) for adoption or repealing the law b) in connection with amnesty and pardon c) on ratification and denunciation of international treaties and agreements. d) on the questions limiting the basic constitutional rights and liberty of human."
Source: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 3(2)
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:49:26 UTC

l. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:03:39 UTC

a. A number of individuals

Comments: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 10: "1. If the initiative of earring out the referendum belongs to the voters, the initiative group is made up. In the list of initiative group must be indicated the name, surname, residence of each of its members. The question put to the referendum must be formulated by the initiative group clearly and concretely. 2. The initiative group applies for the central commission on referendum with the request to registrate the question, proposed for putting to the referendum by the initiative group. The formula of a question must be exacted in agreement with the initiative group. 3. The central commission on referendum and the composition of t he initiative group, publishes the information about this and address of the group in the official press. 4. The question put to the referendum is included in the ballot papers of voters. 5. The certificate on registration is given out to the initiative group within one month’s term after its appealing for the registration. The refusal in registration is allowed if the demands of the present law are violated. 6. The initiative group can complain in the supreme court of Georgia within 5 days’ term after the refusal in registration. The supreme court considers the complaint within 5 days’ term and takes the final decision."
Source: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 10
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:03:39 UTC

d. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:03:39 UTC

a. Proposed title

c. Full proposed text

d. Other (specify)

Comments: o) The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 10: "1. If the initiative of earring out the referendum belongs to the voters, the initiative group is made up. In the list of initiative group must be indicated the name, surname, residence of each of its members. The question put to the referendum must be formulated by the initiative group clearly and concretely. 2. The initiative group applies for the central commission on referendum with the request to registrate the question, proposed for putting to the referendum by the initiative group. The formula of a question must be exacted in agreement with the initiative group. 3. The central commission on referendum and the composition of t he initiative group, publishes the information about this and address of the group in the official press. 4. The question put to the referendum is included in the ballot papers of voters. 5. The certificate on registration is given out to the initiative group within one month’s term after its appealing for the registration. The refusal in registration is allowed if the demands of the present law are violated. 6. The initiative group can complain in the supreme court of Georgia within 5 days’ term after the refusal in registration. The supreme court considers the complaint within 5 days’ term and takes the final decision."
Source: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 10
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:03:39 UTC

a. Proponents of the initiative

Comments: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 10: "1. If the initiative of earring out the referendum belongs to the voters, the initiative group is made up. In the list of initiative group must be indicated the name, surname, residence of each of its members. The question put to the referendum must be formulated by the initiative group clearly and concretely. 2. The initiative group applies for the central commission on referendum with the request to registrate the question, proposed for putting to the referendum by the initiative group. The formula of a question must be exacted in agreement with the initiative group. 3. The central commission on referendum and the composition of t he initiative group, publishes the information about this and address of the group in the official press. 4. The question put to the referendum is included in the ballot papers of voters. 5. The certificate on registration is given out to the initiative group within one month’s term after its appealing for the registration. The refusal in registration is allowed if the demands of the present law are violated. 6. The initiative group can complain in the supreme court of Georgia within 5 days’ term after the refusal in registration. The supreme court considers the complaint within 5 days’ term and takes the final decision."
Source: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 10
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:03:39 UTC

f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:03:39 UTC

g. Other (specify)

Comments: g) Violation of the requirements of the constitution of Georgia and the present law only. The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 13: "2. On the request of earring out the referendum the President of Georgia takes one of the decisions: a) on fixing the date of referendum and providing its carrying out. b) on well-grounded refusal in accomplishment the requirements on carrying out the referendum. Such decision may be taken only in the case of violation of the requirements of the constitution of Georgia and the present law."
Source: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 13(2)
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:49:26 UTC

e. None

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:11:24 UTC

a. An automatic check is part of the initiative process

Comments: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 13: "2. On the request of earring out the referendum the President of Georgia takes one of the decisions: a) on fixing the date of referendum and providing its carrying out. b) on well-grounded refusal in accomplishment the requirements on carrying out the referendum. Such decision may be taken only in the case of violation of the requirements of the constitution of Georgia and the present law."
Source: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 13(2)
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:11:24 UTC

c. President

Comments: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 13: "2. On the request of earring out the referendum the President of Georgia takes one of the decisions: a) on fixing the date of referendum and providing its carrying out. b) on well-grounded refusal in accomplishment the requirements on carrying out the referendum. Such decision may be taken only in the case of violation of the requirements of the constitution of Georgia and the present law."
Source: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 13(2)
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:11:24 UTC

c. After its submission but before the vote on the initiative

Comments: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 13: "2. On the request of earring out the referendum the President of Georgia takes one of the decisions: a) on fixing the date of referendum and providing its carrying out. b) on well-grounded refusal in accomplishment the requirements on carrying out the referendum. Such decision may be taken only in the case of violation of the requirements of the constitution of Georgia and the present law."
Source: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 13(2)
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:11:24 UTC

g. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:11:24 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:11:24 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:11:24 UTC

f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:11:24 UTC

a. Proponents of the initiative

Comments: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 10: "1. If the initiative of earring out the referendum belongs to the voters, the initiative group is made up. In the list of initiative group must be indicated the name, surname, residence of each of its members. The question put to the referendum must be formulated by the initiative group clearly and concretely. 2. The initiative group applies for the central commission on referendum with the request to registrate the question, proposed for putting to the referendum by the initiative group. The formula of a question must be exacted in agreement with the initiative group. 3. The central commission on referendum and the composition of t he initiative group, publishes the information about this and address of the group in the official press. 4. The question put to the referendum is included in the ballot papers of voters. 5. The certificate on registration is given out to the initiative group within one month’s term after its appealing for the registration. The refusal in registration is allowed if the demands of the present law are violated. 6. The initiative group can complain in the supreme court of Georgia within 5 days’ term after the refusal in registration. The supreme court considers the complaint within 5 days’ term and takes the final decision."
Source: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 10
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:11:24 UTC

a. Within a certain time limit (specify)

Comments: a) Normally 2-6 months after the decision to hold a referendum is taken. The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 14: "1. The referendum is carried out not earlier than two and not later than six months from the day of taking the decision on earring out of the referendum by the President of Georgia. 2. In exceptional cases the President of Georgia can fix another term of carrying out of the referendum."
Source: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 14
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:49:26 UTC

k. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:11:24 UTC

g. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:11:24 UTC

b. Not applicable X

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:11:24 UTC

d. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:11:24 UTC

c. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:11:24 UTC

b. Not applicable X

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:11:24 UTC

c. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:11:24 UTC

a. Fixed number 200,000

Comments: C:74 "1. At the request of the Parliament of Georgia, of not less than 200,000 electors or on his/her own initiative the President of Georgia shall schedule a referendum concerning the issues determined by the Constitution and the Organic Law within 30 days after receiving such a request. 2. The referendum shall not be held with the view of adopting or repealing law, in terms of amnesty or pardon, ratification or denunciation of international treaties and agreements, as well as the issues restricting the basic constitutional rights and freedoms of individuals. 3. Issues related to the scheduling and holding referendum shall be determined by the Organic Law." The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 4: "1. On the request of the Parliament of Georgia not less then 200,000 voters and the President of Georgia on the own initiative sets the referendum within 30 day’s term from receipt the requests on carrying out of the referendum."
Source: The Constitution of Georgia, art. 74(1); the Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 4
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:49:26 UTC

a. Fixed number 200,000

Comments: C:74 "1. At the request of the Parliament of Georgia, of not less than 200,000 electors or on his/her own initiative the President of Georgia shall schedule a referendum concerning the issues determined by the Constitution and the Organic Law within 30 days after receiving such a request. 2. The referendum shall not be held with the view of adopting or repealing law, in terms of amnesty or pardon, ratification or denunciation of international treaties and agreements, as well as the issues restricting the basic constitutional rights and freedoms of individuals. 3. Issues related to the scheduling and holding referendum shall be determined by the Organic Law." The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 4: "1. On the request of the Parliament of Georgia not less then 200,000 voters and the President of Georgia on the own initiative sets the referendum within 30 day’s term from receipt the requests on carrying out of the referendum."
Source: The Constitution of Georgia, art. 74(1); the Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 4
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:49:26 UTC

a. Fixed number 200,000

Comments: C:74 "1. At the request of the Parliament of Georgia, of not less than 200,000 electors or on his/her own initiative the President of Georgia shall schedule a referendum concerning the issues determined by the Constitution and the Organic Law within 30 days after receiving such a request. 2. The referendum shall not be held with the view of adopting or repealing law, in terms of amnesty or pardon, ratification or denunciation of international treaties and agreements, as well as the issues restricting the basic constitutional rights and freedoms of individuals. 3. Issues related to the scheduling and holding referendum shall be determined by the Organic Law." The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 4: "1. On the request of the Parliament of Georgia not less then 200,000 voters and the President of Georgia on the own initiative sets the referendum within 30 day’s term from receipt the requests on carrying out of the referendum."
Source: The Constitution of Georgia, art. 74(1); the Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 4
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:49:26 UTC

e. Not applicable X

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:15:54 UTC

a. Fixed time period (specify)

Comments: a) Not later than three months from the registration of the initiative. The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 12: "1. The filled papers of signature are sent to the initiative group which makes up the data on the results of signatures collection and with the papers of signatures send them to the central commission on referendum not later then three months from the day of receipt the certificate on registration."
Source: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 12(1)
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:49:26 UTC

a. Fixed time period (specify)

Comments: a) Not later than three months from the registration of the initiative. The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 12: "1. The filled papers of signature are sent to the initiative group which makes up the data on the results of signatures collection and with the papers of signatures send them to the central commission on referendum not later then three months from the day of receipt the certificate on registration."
Source: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 12(1)
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:49:26 UTC

a. Fixed time period (specify)

Comments: a) Not later than three months from the registration of the initiative. The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 12: "1. The filled papers of signature are sent to the initiative group which makes up the data on the results of signatures collection and with the papers of signatures send them to the central commission on referendum not later then three months from the day of receipt the certificate on registration."
Source: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 12(1)
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:49:26 UTC

c. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:19:45 UTC

d. None

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:46:50 UTC

d. None

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:46:50 UTC

d. None

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:46:50 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:46:50 UTC

e. Not applicable X

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:15:54 UTC

c. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:19:45 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:46:50 UTC

g. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:46:50 UTC

g. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:46:50 UTC

a. Signatories must provide identity/voting card number

c. Other (specify)

Comments: c) Full name, date of birth, an address and the date of signature. The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 11: "2. The signatures are collected on the paper of signature of sample, established by the central commission on referendum and agreed with the initiative group. Every such paper must be signed by not more than 50 civilians, which by their own hand put their name, surname, date of birth, the number of the document of identification, an address and the date of signature. Every paper filled up by the above mentioned data is signed by the person (indicating his address) which is responsible for signature collection, and his signature is attested in the notary bureau or in the body of local self government."
Source: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 11(2)
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:49:26 UTC

a. Signatories must provide identity/voting card number

c. Other (specify)

Comments: c) Full name, date of birth, an address and the date of signature. The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 11: "2. The signatures are collected on the paper of signature of sample, established by the central commission on referendum and agreed with the initiative group. Every such paper must be signed by not more than 50 civilians, which by their own hand put their name, surname, date of birth, the number of the document of identification, an address and the date of signature. Every paper filled up by the above mentioned data is signed by the person (indicating his address) which is responsible for signature collection, and his signature is attested in the notary bureau or in the body of local self government."
Source: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 11(2)
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:49:26 UTC

a. Signatories must provide identity/voting card number

c. Other (specify)

Comments: c) Full name, date of birth, an address and the date of signature. The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 11: "2. The signatures are collected on the paper of signature of sample, established by the central commission on referendum and agreed with the initiative group. Every such paper must be signed by not more than 50 civilians, which by their own hand put their name, surname, date of birth, the number of the document of identification, an address and the date of signature. Every paper filled up by the above mentioned data is signed by the person (indicating his address) which is responsible for signature collection, and his signature is attested in the notary bureau or in the body of local self government."
Source: The Law of Georgia on Referendum, art. 11(2)
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:49:26 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:46:50 UTC

e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:46:50 UTC

a. Name of Institution Central Election Commission of Georgia
b. Full Address Georgia, Tbilisi 0104, Rustaveli 29, 3rd floor,
c. Telephone +995 32 987010
d. Facsimile + 995 32 987000
e. Email jlomin@parliament.ge
f. Website Address www.cec.gov.ge
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President Jumber Lominadze
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections Georgian

Comments: The e-mail address is the address of the chairman.
Source: www.cec.gov.ge
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 08:00:22 GMT

a. National level

c. Local level

d. Other kinds of elections (church, union, etc.) Please specify.

Comments: d) Referendums.
Source: Unified Election Code, article 26 and Law on Referendum, article 16
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 08:02:21 GMT

c. The legislature

Source: Unified Election Code, article 105, paragraph 2
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 08:03:28 GMT

c. The legislature

Comments: Upon submission by the Central Electoral Commission.
Source: Unified Election Code, article 23
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 08:05:05 GMT

d. A national government department

e. Another organ within the national government

Comments: The Central Electoral Commission submits a financial report to the Ministry of Finances. The expenditures are controlled by the Chamber of Control.
Source: Unified Election Code, article 45
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 08:06:42 GMT

b. For a term of _________ years

Comments: 4 years. The term of authority of a member of the Central or District Election Commission of Georgia begins as of the day of his/her appointment (election) and expires immediately upon the first meeting of the newly composed commission. A member of the Central or District Election Commission of Georgia is appointed (elected) for a term of 4 years. The term of authority for a member of the Precinct Election Commission begins as of the day of his/her appointment (election) and ends immediately upon the expiration of authority of the commission. In a case of termination (before expiry) of the term of authority of a member of the Central Election Commission of Georgia, a new member is elected by the Parliament of Georgia at the earliest session.
Source: Unified Election Code, article 20, paragraph 1-4
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 08:09:30 GMT

a. Elected (specify by whom)

Comments: By the members of of the commission.
Source: Unified Election Code, article 22 paragraph 2 and article 28, paragraph 2
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 08:10:48 GMT

a. Total number: 3.143.851

Source: The CEC of Georgia. The protocol of summarization of the results of the elections to Georgian Parliament of October 31, 1999.
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 08:12:04 GMT

c. Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)

Comments: The President of Georgia is elected by citizens of Georgia for the term of 5 years. One and the same person may be elected the President of Georgia only twice in a row.
Source: Georgian Constitution, article 70 Unified Election Code article 78, article 86 paragraph 1
Last updated: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 15:20:30 GMT

b. Directly elected in general elections, absolute majority (with 2nd round if necessary)

Comments: The Head of the state is the Head of executive power.
Source: Georgian Constitution, article 69 paragraph 1
Last updated: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 13:23:36 GMT

a. Yes

Source: Georgian Constitution, chapter 4
Last updated: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 13:19:04 GMT

a. One chamber

Source: Georgian Constitution, chapter 3, article 49
Last updated: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 13:19:52 GMT

e. Parallel (Segmented) (PR Lists and Majoritarian constituencies)

Comments: 150 members of the Parliament of Georgia are elected through, proportional election system, while 85 are elected based on the majoritarian election system.
Source: Unified Election Code, article 91 paragraph 2
Last updated: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 13:30:12 GMT

k. The national legislature consists of one chamber only

Source: Georgian Constitution, article 49
Last updated: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 15:21:04 GMT

g. Other

Comments: 5. Mandates of Members of Parliament of Georgia are awarded only to the Party list, which receives no less than 7% of the votes of the voters. 6. For the purpose of determining the number of mandates received by a Party list, the number of votes received by this list must be multiplied by 150 and divided by the total number of the votes received by such Parties. Total number arrived at, as a result, represents the number of mandates received by the Party list. 7. If the total of the numbers of mandates received by a Party or election bloc turns out to be less than 150, one mandate from undistributed mandates is awarded to each of those Party lists that received a higher number of votes in the elections. 8. If the number of votes received by one or more Party list turns out to be equal, the mandate is awarded to the list which was the first to undergo registration at the Central Election Commission of Georgia. 9. If a candidate is elected both from an election district and through a Party list, then he/she is considered to be elected from the election district and is withdrawn from the Party list and the candidates who are next on the list will move up one place on the list. 10. Those candidates for membership of Parliament, whose sequential numbers in this list are less than or equal to the number of mandates received by the list, are considered to be elected through Party lists. The number of MPs, elected according to this list, remains unchanged.
Source: Unified Election Code, article 105 paragraph 5-10
Last updated: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 13:33:02 GMT

a. National level

c. Regional/provincial level

Comments: The Parliament of Georgia consists of 150 deputies elected for a term of four years by a proportional system and 85 elected by a majoritarian system for a period of four years on the basis of free, universal, equal and direct suffrage by secret ballot.
Source: Georgian Constitution, article 49 paragraph 1 and Unified Election Code, article 91 paragraph 2
Last updated: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 14:03:52 GMT

d. Not applicable

Comments: The Georgian Parliament is unicameral.
Source: Georgian Constitution, article 49
Last updated: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 14:04:50 GMT

b. No

Comments: The Unified Election Code does not provide to reserve seats for specific groups.
Source: Unified Election Code, article 127
Last updated: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 14:07:19 GMT

e. Not applicable na

Comments: See question number 10.
Last updated: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 14:11:48 GMT

c. The national legislature consists of one chamber only

Source: Georgian Constitution, article 49
Last updated: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 14:42:07 GMT

e. Not applicable na

Comments: See question number 12.
Source: Georgian Constitution, article 49
Last updated: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 14:43:56 GMT

b. Specify the percentage:

Comments: a) No minimum. Applies to the 85 members elected by the majoritarian system. b)The 150 members elected by proportional system: Mandates are awarded only to the Party list, which receives no less than 7% of the votes of the voters.
Source: Unified Election Code, article 105, paragraph 6
Last updated: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 14:51:33 GMT

c. Not applicable

Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: Georgian Constitution, article 49
Last updated: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 14:54:47 GMT

b. Specify the percentage:

Comments: Concerning the 85 members elected by the majoritarian system: The candidate, who receives most votes, but no less than those of 1/3 of the election participants, is considered to be elected.
Source: Unified Election Code, article 105 paragraph 4
Last updated: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 14:58:21 GMT

c. Not applicable

Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: Georgian Constitution, article 49
Last updated: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 15:00:18 GMT

a. At fixed intervals (specify length)

Comments: For a term of 4 years. Elections for the Parliament of Georgia are held no later than 15 days before the expiry of its authority. The date of the elections is appointed by the President of Georgia, no later than 60 days before the elections. If the time for elections coincides with martial law or wartime, elections are held no later than 60 days after abolition of martial law or wartime.
Source: Georgian Constitution, article 49 and Unified Election Code article 90-91
Last updated: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 15:03:36 GMT

e. Not applicable

Comments: The Parliament is unicameral.
Source: Georgian Constitution, article 49
Last updated: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 15:06:57 GMT

a. Voting takes place on one day

Source: Unified Election Code, articles 3 and 49
Last updated: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 15:08:16 GMT

c. Not applicable

Comments: The Parliament is unicameral.
Source: Georgian Constitution, article 49
Last updated: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 15:09:31 GMT

a. Part of Constitution

b. Separate legislation

c. Decree

e. Other

Source: Georgian Constitution, Unified Election Code, Law on referendum and Decrees of the Central Electoral Commission
Last updated: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 15:12:36 GMT

a. January 2000 or later

Comments: Last amended 25.04.2002
Source: Mr. Jumber Lominadze, Chairman of the Central Election Commission jlomin@parliament.ge
Last updated: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 15:22:22 GMT

a. National elections

c. Local elections

Source: Unified Election Code, article 1
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 07:29:55 GMT

a. Voting is voluntary

Comments:
Source: Unified Election Code, article 8, paragraph 2
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 07:31:02 GMT

a. National elections are not held on the same day as regional or local elections

Comments: There are no provision in the Unified Election Code, but the last election of deputies to Parliament was in 1999, the election of local self- governing bodies was in 2002. Each is elected for term of 4 years.
Source: Mr. Jumber Lominadze, Chairman of the Central Election Commission jlomin@parliament.ge
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 07:32:14 GMT

a. Presidential elections are not held on the same day as national legislative elections

Comments: The President is elected for a term of five years whereas the Parliament is elected for a term of four years.
Source: Unified Election Code, article 78 and article 91, paragraph 1
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 07:39:25 GMT

a. Judiciary

b. EMB

Comments: There are cases in which the court, and cases in which the EMB, are responsible for the first level of formal electoral dispute.
Source: Unified Election Code, article 77
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 07:44:03 GMT

h. Not applicable

Comments: See question number 7.
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 07:45:03 GMT

c. Voters

d. Foreign/International Observers

e. Other

Comments: e) Domestic observers.
Source: Unified Election Code, articles 38 and 70 paragraph 1 subparagraph j) and l)
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 07:49:28 GMT

b. Constitutional (or similar) Court

c. Superior Court

Comments: b) If the constitutionality of the elections is adjudicated the final appellate authority is the constitutional court. c) A decision by the Central Election Committee of Georgia regarding decision of subordinate election commissions may be contested at the Supreme Court of Georgia within 3 days of its adoption. The Supreme Court decision is final and not subject to appeal.
Source: Unified Election Code, article 77
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 07:57:13 GMT

b. Legislative Committee

c. Government

f. Other

Comments: Modifications to the Election Code can be proposed by any organ which is entitled to propose enactment of statutes. The right of legislative initiative is vested in the President, a Member of Parliament, a Parliamentary group, a committee of Parliament, supreme representative bodies from Abkhazia and Adjaria or 30.000 electors.
Source: Georgian Constitution, article 67
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 07:58:59 GMT

Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:47:16 UTC

Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:47:16 UTC

Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:47:16 UTC

Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:47:16 UTC

Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:47:16 UTC

Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:47:16 UTC

a. Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance

Comments: a) Applies to free broadcast time during the election period.
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:47:16 UTC

b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising X

Comments: The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising.
Source: UNIFIED ELECTION CODE OF GEORGIA, art. 73
Last updated: 2007-02-12 15:54:39 UTC

Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:47:16 UTC

Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:47:16 UTC

Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:47:16 UTC

Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:47:16 UTC

Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:47:16 UTC

b. 2-3 days

Comments: UNIFIED ELECTION CODE OF GEORGIA, art. 73: "From 48 hours prior to the poll and until 24:00 on election day, publishing of election-related public opinion surveys other than the one on the potential election participants and on the number of election participants on election day is prohibited."
Source: UNIFIED ELECTION CODE OF GEORGIA, art. 73
Last updated: 2007-02-12 15:54:39 UTC

a. Signature requirement (specify requirement)

e. Minimum number of candidates

Comments: a) At least 50.000 e) Minimum 100, Maximum 235. Parties which have candidates in the Parliament are free from these requirements.
Source: Unified Election Code, articles 95 and 96
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 09:25:19 GMT

g. Not applicable

Comments: The Parliament is unicameral.
Source: Georgian Constitution, article 49
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 09:27:00 GMT

a. Age

b. Citizenship

d. Residence

f. Registration

Comments: a) 25 years. d) 10 years.
Source: Unified Election Code, articles 92 and 97
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 09:29:02 GMT

k. Not applicable

Comments: The Parliament is unicameral.
Source: Georgian Constitution, article 49
Last updated: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 15:27:04 GMT

a. Age

b. Citizenship

c. Country of birth

d. Residence

f. Registration

j. Other

Comments: a)35 years. d)15 years.
Source: Georgian Constitution, article 70, paragraphs 2 and 3 and Unified Election Code articles 78, 80, 81 and 84
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 09:34:02 GMT

a. Current criminal incarceration

f. Holding of military office

g. Holding of government office

k. Mental health problems

Comments: Following offices are incompatible with being candidate: a) President of Georgia; b) Heads and Deputy Heads of the government and State sub-agency institutions; c) Members of the Security Council of Georgia; d) Members of the council of the National Bank of Georgia; e) Chairperson and Deputy Chairpersons of the Chamber of Control of Georgia; f) Head of staff of the Parliament of Georgia; g) Proxies of the President of Georgia and their Deputies; h) Heads and Deputy Heads of the bodies of local self-governance and government of rayon, city, city district [article amended 28 September 2001]; i) Officers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministries of Defense and State Security of Georgia, the State Departments of Intelligence and State Frontier Guard and the Special Service of State Security; j) Judges; k) Public Defender and Deputy Public Defender of Georgia; l) Members of the consultative body of the President of Georgia (who are not members of the Parliament of Georgia); m) Aides of the President of Georgia; n) Members of the Council of Auditor Activity; o) Members of the Georgian National Commissions of Securities, Accounting Standards, the National Commission of Energy Regulation and other national regulatory commissions of Georgia; p) Chairperson and Deputies of the Informational Bureau of Property and Financial Situation of Officials; q) Prosecutors, their Deputies, aides and investigators.
Source: Unified Election Code, articles 5, paragraph 2, 3 and 92
Last updated: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 15:28:58 GMT

a. Current criminal incarceration

k. Mental health problems

Source: Unified Election Code, article 5, paragraph 3 and article 80, paragraph 2
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 09:38:53 GMT

e. In both presidential and legislative elections

Comments: In parliamentary elections only in majoritarian districts.
Source: Unified Election Code, articles 81 and 97
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 09:40:35 GMT

a. Signature requirement (specify)

Comments: The nomination of a candidate must be confirmed by no less than 1,000 signatures of the voters registered on the territory of the relevant District Election Commission, except for the case where the nominated candidate was elected a Member of the Parliament of Georgia at the last Parliamentary elections.
Source: Unified Election Code, article 97 paragraph 8
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 10:03:36 GMT

e. Not applicable

Comments: The Parliament is unicameral.
Source: Georgian Constitution, article 49
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 10:13:29 GMT

a. Signature requirement (specify)

Comments: The nomination by a party or Union of parties or by an initiative group of 5 citizens must be confirmed by signatures of 50.000 voters.
Source: Unified Election Code, article 83, paragraph 2
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 10:17:12 GMT

b. Direct

c. Indirect

Source: Law on political associations, articles 25, 29, 30 Unified Election Code, article 74, paragraph 8
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 10:18:53 GMT

c. As related to the election period and between elections

Comments: The parties receive funds annually from state budget and during the election campaign period the parties receive free air time from state TV and Radio.
Source: Law on political associations, article 30 and Unified Election Code, article 74, paragraph 8
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 10:31:27 GMT

a. Free media access

Comments: State Television and Radio of Georgia are obliged to allocate a daily 3 hours of free-of-charge airtime for the purpose of election agitation, which will be equally distributed among election subjects.
Source: Unified Election Code, article 74, paragraph 8
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 10:34:47 GMT

a. Equal funding, regardless of size and previous performance

b. Based on result of previous election

Comments: The free media access is distributed equally. The direct public contribution is based on the result of the previous election among the parties and election blocks which received more than 5 % of the votes in the last parliamentary elections held with proportional system. These sums are deposited on the partys account proportionately, on monthly basis.
Source: Unified Election Code, article 74, paragraph 8 and Law on political parties, article 30, paragraph 3
Last updated: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 15:30:05 GMT

b. Election campaign activities

c. Unspecified

Comments: The state allocate a certain amount from its budget for organizational and other activities of parties. The state TV and Radio distributes free air time for election campaign activities.
Source: Law on political associations, article 30 paragraph 2 and Unified Election Code, article 74, paragraph 8
Last updated: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 15:40:02 GMT

a. Yes

Comments: The party property is made up of: a) membership dues; b) donations of natural and legal persons; c) some received by preparation and sale of party symbols, arrangements of lectures, exhibitions and other similar events by the party as well as from publishing and other activity proceeding from the charter purposes and aims that cannot change the nature of party as a non-profit legal entity. The party has not the right to carry out subsidiary entrepreneurial activity other than the case provided by items 1 of this article. The unified election code contains a provision indirectly limiting private funding from private TV and radio companies. Private TV and radio companies determine an equal price for airtime for election subjects and submit to election commissions the information on allocation and distribution of airtime.
Source: Law on political associations, article 25 and Unified Election Code, article 74, paragraph 9
Last updated: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 15:41:06 GMT

c. As related to the election period and between elections

Source: Law on political associations, article 25 and Unified Election Code, article 45
Last updated: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 15:41:37 GMT

a. Public disclosure of party contributions received

b. Public disclosure of party expenditure

c. Prohibition on party funding from foreign sources

h. Publication or public access to contribution and / or expenditure reports

i. Other

Comments: Before February 1st of each year, the party publishes in a publishing body the declaration of finances of the previous year accompanied by the conclusion of the auditor (auditing firm). The declaration states the annual income of the party (indicating the sources) and expenses, and includes a report on property status. The income and expenses of means used for elections must be shown separately in the declaration. The party sends the copies of the published declaration and the auditors conclusion (auditing firm to the Ministry of Justice of Georgia). If the party does not publish its financial declaration in time, it loses the right to receive funding for the next one-year period. Contributions to the election campaign fund are considered to be the funds deposited to its account by persons and legal entities, as well as all kinds of material values and services received free-of-charge. A legal entity making a contribution to an election campaign fund is obliged to indicate its title and legal address, while persons must indicate the first and last name, address, number of the ID of a Georgian citizen (passport of a Georgian citizen) and personal number. It is inadmissible to deposit funds to an election campaign fund without declaring the information required by Paragraph 2 of this Article. Anonymous contributions are transferred to the State budget of Georgia. It is inadmissible for an election subject to use during the elections any funds other than the funds of the election campaign fund. It is inadmissible to accept the following contributions to the election campaign fund: a). From other States; b). From persons or legal entities from other States; c). From persons with no citizenship; d). From international organizations and movements; e). From non-entrepreneurial legal entities and religious organizations; f). From a Georgian entrepreneurial legal entity, in which there is a State share.
Source: Law on political parties, article 25, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34 and Unified Election Code, article 47
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 13:02:04 GMT

a. Public disclosure of candidate contributions received

b. Public disclosure of candidate expenditure

c. Prohibition on candidate funding from foreign sources

h. Publication or public access to contribution and / or expenditure reports

i. Other

Comments: An election campaign fund has to be opened, and every expenses can only be made from this account. An election campaign fund is all the funds intended for the election campaign of an election subject. Contributions to the election campaign fund are considered to be the funds deposited to its account by persons and legal entities, as well as all kinds of material values and services received free-of-charge. A legal entity making a contribution to an election campaign fund is obliged to indicate its title and legal address, while persons must indicate the first and last name, address, number of the ID of a Georgian citizen (passport of a Georgian citizen) and personal number. It is inadmissible to deposit funds to an election campaign fund without declaring the information required by Paragraph 2 of this Article. Anonymous contributions are transferred to the State budget of Georgia. It is inadmissible for an election subject to use during the elections any funds other than the funds of the election campaign fund. It is inadmissible to accept the following contributions to the election campaign fund: a) From other States; b) From persons or legal entities from other States; c) From persons with no citizenship; d) From international organizations and movements; e) From non-entrepreneurial legal entities and religious organizations; f) From a Georgian entrepreneurial legal entity, in which there is a State share. No later than one month after the publication of election results, the election subject shall submit to the relevant election commission a report on the funds used for elections, with a statement of the source of the funds deposited to the election campaign fund. The election subjects which, according to preliminary data, receives the necessary number of votes established by this Law, must do the same, no later than 8 days after the poll. Election subjects who do not submit a report on the election campaign fund, are banned from the right to take part in elections, including the relevant next elections. The election subject is obliged to close the account of election campaign fund no later than 20 days after the consolidation of the final results of the elections. Remaining funds in the account are returned to the contributing persons and legal entities, in proportion to the funds contributed. The form of the report on funds used for elections is determined by an ordinance of the Central Election Commission of Georgia. Information about election contributions is open, public and accessible. The Central Election Commission of Georgia is obliged to provide all interested persons and legal entities with the information on the amount, source and date of depositing of funds existing in election campaign funds.
Source: Unified Election Code, articles 46-48
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 13:17:39 GMT

c. Government department

Comments: Ministry of Justice.
Source: Law on political associations, article 32
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 13:18:47 GMT

a. Single ballot (all registered parties listed)

d. Categorical (only one mark allowed)

g. Different ballots used in different constituencies

l. No photos or logos, only party and/or candidate names

o. Ballots signed or otherwise authenticated by polling station official

p. Bilingual

r. Other

Comments: p) Ballot papers are printed in the Georgian language, and also in the Abkhazian language in Abkhazia and, in case of necessity, also in other languages understandable to the local population. o) Each pack of ballot papers has a cover page on which is printed columns for numbers and titles of the election districts and precincts, for indication of the dates of receipt of the ballot papers by District Election Commissions and Precinct Election Commissions and the signatures of the persons issuing and receiving the ballot papers, as well as a column for signatures of the Precinct Election Commission Chairperson, and as a rule, his/her Deputy, secretary of the Precinct Election Commission and of the commission member, to whom this pack is transferred. On the ballot paper must be indicated the following: Number of the election precinct (on the rear and on the ballot itself); The rule for filling out of the ballot paper; Title and sequential number of the election subject; Place for seal of the Precinct Election Commission; Place for signature of Precinct Election Commission members; In those cases where an election subject withdraws from the elections, at the issue of the ballot paper, on the ballot paper, on the same line as the name of the indicated election subject is placed a stamp election subject withdrawn.
Source: Unified Election Code, article 51
Last updated: 2006-03-20 22:09:41 UTC

s. Not applicable

Comments: The Parliament is unicameral.
Source: Georgian Constitution, article 49
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 13:40:17 GMT

a. Single ballot (all registered parties/candidates listed)

d. Categorical (only possible to make one mark)

g. Different ballot used in different constituencies

l. No photos or logos, only party and/or candidate names

o. Ballots signed or otherwise authenticated by polling station officials

p. Bilingual

r. Other

Comments: p) Ballot papers are printed in the Georgian language, and also in the Abkhazian language in Abkhazia and, in case of necessity, also in other languages understandable to the local population. o)Each pack of ballot papers has a cover page on which is printed columns for numbers and titles of the election districts and precincts, for indication of the dates of receipt of the ballot papers by District Election Commissions and Precinct Election Commissions and the signatures of the persons issuing and receiving the ballot papers, as well as a column for signatures of the Precinct Election Commission Chairperson, and as a rule, his/her Deputy, secretary of the Precinct Election Commission and of the commission member, to whom this pack is transferred. On the ballot paper must be indicated the following: Number of the election precinct (on the rear and on the ballot itself); The rule for filling out of the ballot paper; Title and sequential number of the election subject; Place for seal of the Precinct Election Commission; Place for signature of Precinct Election Commission members. In those cases where an election subject withdraws from the elections, at the issue of the ballot paper, on the ballot paper, on the same line as the name of the indicated election subject is placed a stamp election subject withdrawn.
Source: Unified Election Code, article 51
Last updated: 2006-03-20 22:09:41 UTC

b. At the polling centre

Source: Unified Election Code, articles 58-59
Last updated: 2006-03-20 22:09:41 UTC

a. Separate ballots for different elections

c. Tally of voters who voted

d. Number of ballots in box reconciled against number of voters

e. Number of ballots reconciled against ballots initially received (minus spoilt and unused)

j. Sorted into piles according to individual party/candidate

l. Counted by hand

m. Sorted by party list

p. Copies of results of the count are publicly posted at the counting site immediately on the completion of the count

s. Copies of results are provided to party agents

Source: Unified Election Code, articles 59, 60 and 103
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 13:45:05 GMT

c. District level

Comments: To the district election commission.
Source: Unified Election Code, article 60, paragraph 7
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 13:47:21 GMT

b. District level

d. National level

Comments: The votes to candidates running in majoritarian constituencies are allocated at district level, the votes for proportional candidates are allocated at national level.
Source: Unified Election Code, articles 104 and 105
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 13:51:39 GMT

a. Physically transported

Source: Unified Election Code, article 60, paragraph 7
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 13:53:33 GMT

a. Ballots

f. Certificate of result

Source: Unified Election Code, articles 59-60
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 13:54:23 GMT

c. Signatures on sealed envelopes

d. Transported in boxes sealed with numbered seals

Source: Unified Election Code, article 60, paragraph (4) and (7)
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 13:55:25 GMT

d. By request

Source: Unified Election Code, article 105 paragraph 2
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 13:56:14 GMT

e. Not applicable

Source: Unified Election Code, article 105, paragraph 2
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 14:00:00 GMT

a. Political parties

b. An individual candidate

c. Election officials

d. Domestic observers

e. International observers

Comments: A member of the electoral commission who has a different opinion has the right to ask for recounting.
Source: Unified election code articles 71 paragraph 5, 104 paragraph 2, 105 paragraph 12
Last updated: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 15:44:31 GMT

a. National Election Management body

Source: Unified Election Code, article 105 paragraph 12
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 14:02:06 GMT

a. Yes

Source: Unified Election Code, article 66, paragraph 3, subparagraph d
Last updated: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 15:45:21 GMT

b. days: 10

Source: Unified Election Code, article 105, paragraph 1
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 14:04:02 GMT

a. Yes

Source: Unified Election Code, article 105, paragraph 19
Last updated: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 15:46:01 GMT

b. days:

Comments: 15 days after the close of polls.
Source: Unified Election Code, article 105, paragraph 1 and 19 and article 107
Last updated: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 15:46:58 GMT

a. National Electoral Management Body

g. NGOs/ Civic Organizations

i. Media

Comments: g) Mainly the IFES. i) State Television broadcasts election training programmes.
Source: Mr. Jumber Lominadze, Chairman of the Central Election Commission jlomin@parliament.ge www.cec.gov.ge www.ifes.ge
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 08:30:00 GMT

a. Continuously

Comments: The IFES campaign is conducted continuously, the campaign of the Central Electoral Commission is restricted to election campaigns.
Source: Mr. Jumber Lominadze, Chairman of the Central Election Commission jlomin@parliament.ge www.ifes.ge www.cec.gov.ge
Last updated: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 15:23:29 GMT

h. Yes, conducted by NGOs/ Civic Organizations

Comments: There are two programmes by IFES: "Be an active citizen" and "Civic Education in Schools".
Source: Mr. Jumber Lominadze, Chairman of the Central Election Commission jlomin@parliament.ge www.ifes.ge
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 08:35:05 GMT

a. Poster/ Billboard campaigns

b. Media advertisement

e. Public meetings

g. Internet

Source: Mr. Jumber Lominadze, Chairman of the Central Election Commission jlomin@parliament.ge www.cec.gov.ge www.ifes.ge
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 08:36:05 GMT

a. Poster/ Billboard campaigns

c. Simulation exercises

e. Public meetings

g. Internet

h. Handouts (printed material)

Source: Mr. Jumber Lominadze, Chairman of the Central Election Commission jlomin@parliament.ge www.ifes.ge www.cec.gov.ge
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 08:37:05 GMT

b. Young people/ first time voters

Source: Mr. Jumber Lominadze, Chairman of the Central Election Commission jlomin@parliament.ge www.ifes.ge
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 08:37:56 GMT

c. At any polling station in the same country

d. At specially designated polling stations

e. At mobile polling stations

h. By proxy

Comments: d) In military compounds and on ships.
Source: Unified Election Code, articles 9, 12, 15 and 54 paragraph 3, 56
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 08:57:58 GMT

f. Diplomatic staff

g. Other

Comments: g) Persons who are on consular registry of Georgia.
Source: Unified Election Code, article 9, paragraph 5 subparagraph d and article 110, paragraph 3
Last updated: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 15:26:22 GMT

a. Embassies

b. Consulates

Comments: Election precincts at the State institutions of Georgia, existing outside Georgia, are established upon ordinance of the Central Election Commission of Georgia, based on the data of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia.
Source: Unified Election Code, article 16, paragraph 6
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 09:11:46 GMT

a. No

Source: Unified Election Code, article 49, paragraph 6
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 09:12:55 GMT

f. Not applicable

Comments: See question number 6.
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 09:14:59 GMT

g. Not applicable

Comments: See question number 6.
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 09:16:10 GMT

a. Yes

Source: Unified Election Code, article 16
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 09:17:17 GMT

a. Yes, the maximum capacity is: 2000

Source: Unified Election Code, article 16
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 09:18:41 GMT

a. By manually marking the ballot

Source: Unified Election Code, articles 51 and 54
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 09:20:54 GMT

c. 18

Comments: A citizen who has attained the age of 18 has the right to participate in referenda and elections of state and self-governing bodies. The freedom of constituents to express their will is guaranteed Citizens of Georgia have the right to an active vote after they reach the age of 18, regardless of their race, skin colour, language, gender, religion, political or other opinions, education, ethnic or social affiliation, descent, property or occupation.
Source: Georgian Constitution, article 28, paragraph 1 and Unified Election Code, article 5, paragraph 2
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 08:41:18 GMT

a. Citizenship

Source: Unified Election Code, article 5, paragraph 2
Last updated: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 15:24:23 GMT

a. Criminal Incarceration

d. Mental disability

Comments: Citizens of Georgia who have been deemed incapable by a court or are in a penitentiary establishment by sentence of a court shall not be entitled to suffrage.
Source: Unified Election Code, article 5, paragraph 3
Last updated: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 15:25:05 GMT

d. Election Management Body (specify)

Comments: District Election Commission.
Source: Unified Election Code, article 9, paragraph 1
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 08:45:21 GMT

b. Voters register

Comments: The main list of voters includes citizens of Georgia who are entitled to vote and are registered in the territory of the relevant election precinct at the time of the compilation of the list.
Source: Unified Election Code, article 9, paragraph 2
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 08:46:15 GMT

c. Periodically (or before each election)

Comments: The voters list is updated before each election.
Source: Unified Election Code, article 9, paragraph 4 and 6
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 08:47:59 GMT

a. Links to national population records

c. Links for applications for government services

f. Door-to-door registration campaign

j. Other

Comments: Voters are registered in a traditional door-to-door system by the State and established in all the republics of the former USSR, with slight variations. This system required the possession of a valid internal passport, the propiska, as proof of identity to receive all the benefits of the governing structural system, including the right to vote. Since 1995, the voter registration system has been decentralized to the precinct level and managed and under the aegis of the CEC, not the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The main lists of voters are compiled based on data: a) Existing at the relevant agencies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia on the persons registered in the territory of the city (rayon), including data on those persons who will be 18 years old by the day of the poll; b) On deceased persons, existing at the agencies of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia, which conduct registration of citizens status; c) From the bodies of local governance and self-governance; d) Transferred by the Heads of those State agencies of Georgia, which are located outside Georgia, regarding those voters who are on the consular registry of Georgia; e) Transferred by ship captain, regarding those voters who are sailing on the day of the poll. 6. Heads of the agencies indicated in Subparagraphs a), b) and c) of Paragraph 5 of this Article, transfer the data on voters to the District Election Commission no later than 55 days before the poll, while the persons and Heads of the agencies indicated in Subparagraph d) and e) do the same no later than 7 days before the poll. In such cases, the District Election Commission is obliged to transfer the indicated list to the relevant Precinct Election Commission no later than 24 hour, before the poll.
Source: Unified Election Code, article 9, paragraph 5 and 6 IFES-Georgia http://www.ifes.ge/files/voter_reg/voter_reg_report.html
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 08:51:35 GMT

a. Yes

Source: Unified Election Code, article 9
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 08:52:55 GMT

Comments: The voter registration project is financed both by IFES and CEC.
Source: IFES-Georgia http://www.ifes.ge/files/voter_reg/voter_reg_report.html
Last updated: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 08:54:44 GMT