News

Georgia: Opposition to form alternative parliament, The Georgian Messenger (2008)

Around ten thousand opposition supporters are gathered outside parliament. Most have been peaceful.

Georgia: Opposition Sets Ultimatum, Civil.ge (2008)

Davit Gamkrelidze, co-leader of the nine-party opposition bloc, said the coalition was setting an ultimatum to the Central Election Commission (CEC) to annul, as he said, falsified election results.

Georgia: Opposition Marches to Protest Election Results, Civil.ge (2008)

Thousands of opposition supporters are marching from the Sport Palace toward the Rustaveli Avenue, where a military parade will be held to mark the Independence Day.

Press release. Despite efforts to conduct Georgia's elections in line with standards, observers identify problems, IEOM (2008)

TBILISI, 22 May 2008 - Political stakeholders in Georgia made efforts to conduct yesterday's parliamentary elections in line with international standards, but a number of problems were identified which made their implementation uneven and incomplete, the International Election Observation Mission said in a preliminary statement released today.

Georgia: Possible Distribution of Seats in New Parliament, Civil.ge (2008)

According to these initial results only four political groups have managed to clear the 5% threshold needed to endorse MP candidates through the proportional, party-list system. The ruling party leads with 61.6%, followed by the nine-party opposition bloc with 14.9%; the Christian-Democratic Party – 7.9%; the Labor Party – 6.7%.

Georgia: Opposition Rally Disperses, Civil.ge (May 2008)

A day after 21 May 2008 Parliamentary Elections. the leaders of the nine-party opposition bloc called on supporters to disperse, citing that they had to continue “electoral struggle” at polling stations and district election commissions.

Georgia: Exit polls: Government wins big, The Messenger Online (May 2008)

Early exit polls results projected a sweeping victory for the ruling party in yesterday’s parliamentary elections. Opposition leaders, who had instructed supporters to boycott the exit polling, dismissed the results as rigged.

Georgia: Exit Poll Gives Big Lead to Ruling Party, Civil.ge (2008)

The ruling National Movement Party has 63.2% of votes in the 21 parliamentary elections, according to early exit poll results. All the major opposition parties have announced long before the elections that they would not trust exit polls.

Georgia: The Central Election Commission calls the members of Precinct Election Commissions appointed by the political parties to return to the precincts, CEC Georgia (2008)

According to information received by the CEC, there are reports of commission members leaving the PECs. The Central Election Commission calls on them to return to their precincts.

Georgia: Voter Turnout was 55%, Civil.ge (2008)

The Central Election Commission of Georgia announced voter turnout was 55% on 21 May 2008 Parliamentary Elections.

Georgia: Ruling Party-Commissioned Poll Released, Civil.ge (2008)

The ruling National Movement Party in Georgia has 44% of the vote, followed by the nine-party opposition bloc with 12%, according to a ruling party-commissioned survey conducted by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner (GQR).

Georgian Presidential Elections: Edging towards ‘normal’ politics?, Caucaz Europenews (2008)

Author of the article seeks answer to the question "Are these results a sign that Georgia is edging towards a more ‘normal’ environment of competitive politics, shifting away from the paradigm of ‘exceptional’ politics that followed the Rose Revolution?"

As Saakashvili Prepares for Inauguration, Opposition Plans to Take to the Streets, Georgia Today (2008)

Earlier this week, the Central Election Commission called Saakashvili the winner of the first round of the January 5 presidential elections. While downtown Tbilisi is preparing to host the inauguration of Mikheil Saakashvili on January 20, the united opposition is challenging the legitimacy of the presidental election.

Georgian election in essence consistent with most commitments but challenges must be addressed urgently, OSCE (2008)

This Press Release informs about findings of the International Election Observation Mission concluded in a joint preliminary statement.

Georgian president 're-elected', BBC (2008)

Preliminary official results suggest Mikhail Saakashvili has been re-elected president of Georgia after a snap poll.

CEC defines the ordinal numbers of the presidential candidates, CEC of Russia (2007)

This press release informs you about candidates of the presidental elections to be held on January 5, 2008.

Opposition raises possibility of presidental election boycott, Eurasianet (2007)

 

Georgia to hold early elections, BBC (2007)

 

Saakashvili pushes electoral refor, NE (2007)

President of Georgia, Mikhail Saakashvili recently announced constitutional reforms which aim to help new political forces come to the fore.

CEC Launches Door to Door Campaign, CEC (2007)

From October 19 the CEC Launches Door to Door Campaign

Georgia, BRIDGE Evaluation Seminar has been held, CEC Georgia (2009)

Under the framework of UNDP project "Developing Capacities of Democratic Institutions for Fair Electoral Processes and Active Civil Participation" the Central Election Commission of Georgia participated in the BRIDGE Evaluation Seminar which was held on October 8-10, in Telavi.

Georgia, Electoral Reform Working Group Meeting, Civil.ge (2009)

The ruling party is pushing for a winner-take-all system for direct election of Tbilisi mayor, which is unacceptable for the opposition.

Georgia, Lack of Clarity over Direct Elections of ‘All Mayors’, 2009 (Civil.ge)

Despite President Saakashvili’s announcement at the UN General Assembly that the authorities had “committed to the direct election of all mayors”, the ruling party so far gave its firm go-ahead to the direct election of only Tbilisi mayor.

Georgia: Talks on Rule of Electing Tbilisi Mayor, 2009 (Civil.ge)

The ruling National Movement Party and parties in the parliamentary minority agree on setting a 30% threshold for electing Tbilisi mayor, but Alliance for Georgia, whose leader Irakli Alasania will run for the mayoral office, says the proposed threshold is too low. It was one of the key issues discussed by an inter-party working group on electoral reform on November 12.

Georgia: Election Talks Fail to Yield Deal, 2009 (Civil.ge)

Parties failed to agree on rule of electing Tbilisi mayor bringing talks on electoral system reform to a deadlock. The issue was discussed at a meeting of an inter-party working group on electoral reform on November 18. Disagreement mainly persists between the Alliance for Georgia and the ruling party with the latter insisting on a 30% threshold for electing the capital city’s mayor. The Alliance for Georgia was pushing for having a 50% threshold, wherein a run off will be required if neither of the candidates garner over 50% of votes in the first round.

Georgia: Proposals on Electoral Rules to Move in Parliament, 2009 (Civil.ge)

After a failure to reach a consensus within the inter-party working group on electoral reforms, the process is now expected to move into the Parliament and lawmakers are likely to discuss set of those proposals, which was supported by most of the parties in the working group.

Georgia: New Contender in Tbilisi Mayoral Race, 2009 (Civil.ge)

Davit Iakobidze, who served as Georgia’s finance minister in 90s under former President Shevardnadze’s administration, said on December 1 he would run for Tbilisi mayoral office in local elections planned for May, 2010.

Georgia: Local Elections to be Held before June 1

Local elections will be held not later than June 1, 2010, according a draft of constitutional amendment formally initiated on December 1. The President has to announce an exact date of local elections not later than 45 days before the election day. President Saakashvili offered in July to hold local election on May 30, 2010, instead of originally planned autumn, 2010.

Georgia: MPs Endorse Election Code Amendments, Civil.ge (2009)

The article mentions that Georgian parliament has approved with its first hearing the amendments to the election code, which, among other issues, sets rules for electing self-governance bodies in the capital city. The draft sets the rule of electing Tbilisi mayor, which is strongly opposed by number of non-parliamentary opposition groups.

Georgia: Election Code Amendments Approved, Civil.ge (2009)

The article writes, that on December 28, Georgian Parliament approved amendments to the Electoral Code, setting rules for upcoming local elections in May 2010. According to the Law, only political parties will be eligible to run for elections; independent candidates will be excluded.

Has The 2013 Georgian Presidential Campaign Already Started?, RFE/RL (2010)

The article argues that presidential race for 2013 elections has already started in Georgia. Incumbent Mikheil Saakashvili's second term will expire in 2013, but the preparations for municipal elections in late May 2010, including that for Tbilisi mayor, already increasingly resemble the first stage in what promises to be a no-holds-barred fight to succeed him. The elected mayor of the capital city is considered to be the most probable presidential successor.

Georgian President Flouts Election Law, RFE/RL (2010)

The article reports that Georgia's president Mikheil Saakashvili failed to name three candidates for heading the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) of Georgia. Saakashvili has told reporter that in the interest of holding free and fair elections in future, he sees no problem in ignoring the legal deadline by which elections should be held for the new Central Election Commission chairman. An opposition parliamentary deputy described the recently amended procedure for selecting the CEC as "a black hole within our legislation," given that it empowers Saakashvili's United National Movement, which controls 80 percent of the parliament mandates, to approve the majority of the commission's members.

Georgia: Parliament Elects New CEC Chairman, Civil.ge (2010)

The article reports that Georgian Parliament has elected a new chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) for a five-year term. The Parliament elected CEC chairman among three candidates nominated by the President of Georgia. The new chair of the CEC is Zurab Kharatishvili, a member of public broadcaster’s board of trustees since February, 2008.

Georgia: GEL 1.2 mln Allocated to Re-Check Voters List, Civil.ge (2010)

The article reports that about USD 680,000 of state funding will be available for the political parties for the purpose of carrying rechecking of voters’ list ahead of local elections planned for May 2010. The funding is envisaged in line with Election Code amendments of December, 2009. According to the amendments those parties, which are eligible for the state funding, will receive additional finances for carrying out activities related with re-checking the voters’ list.

Georgia: 12 Parties to Re-Check Voters’ List, Civil.ge (2010)

The article says that twelve political parties in Georgia have applied for taking part in the process of re-checking voters’ lists to take place from February 5 to March 15, 2010. Total of fourteen parties, eligible for state funding, were able to apply; National Forum and Labor Party have refused. The both of the parties announced earlier they would not run in the local elections scheduled for May.

Georgia: Saakashvili Reiterates Local Elections Date, Civil.ge (2010)

Teh article mentions that Georgia's President Saakashvili will set May 30 as the date for local elections, 2010. A draft of constitutional amendment, which has yet to be approved by the Parliament with three readings, was submitted to the legislative body, which envisages holding of the local elections before June 1, 2010; the draft does not set a specific date.

Georgia: CEc Says 3.58 mln Eligible to Vote, Civil.ge (2010)

The article writes that according to the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) of Georgia 3.58 million voters will be eligible to cast ballot in May 2010 municipal elections. The CEC Chair claims Voter List innaccuracies will be around 1%.

Georgia: opposition coalition cracking up over Tbilisi mayoral elections, EurasiaNet (2010)

The article writes that as first mayoral elections in Tbilisi are approaching, one of the prominent opposition groups, Alliance for Georgia, is on the verge of breaking up.

Georgia: Alasania Nominated Tbilisi Mayoral Candidate After U-Turn, RFE/RL (2010)

The article writes that Irakli Alasania, Georgia's former ambassador to the UN, has nominated his candidacy for May 2010 local elections. He said there is no time for talks about selecting a unified opposition candidate.

Georgia: One More Mayoral Candidate to be Named in April, Civil.ge (2010)

The article writes that Conservative Party; Party of People and Movement for Fair Georgia announced on March 8, that they would select their candidate for Tbilisi mayoral office through public opinion survey. Incumbent Tbilisi mayor, Gigi Ugulava, is expected to be the ruling party’s candidate; he has yet to be formally nominated.

Georgia’s Opposition Faces A Choice Between Unity And Principles, RFE/RL (2010)

The article writes about the challenges of Georgian opposition ahead of May 2010 municipal elections. The opposition realises that unity is its only chance. But how is this achieved exactly and – this is the main question – around whom should they rally?

Georgia: 'Large Number' of Int'l Observers to Monitor Local Elections, Civil.ge (2010)

The article writes about announcement of Georgia's parliamentary speaker, saying that a large number of international observers, about 400 people, will observe local elections of May 30.

Georgia: PACE Monitors Meet Opposition Leaders, Civil.ge (2010)

The article writes about the meeting of PACE rapporteurs with Georgian opposition parties. The discussions were focused on upcoming local elections in Georgia.

Georgian Police Briefly Arrest Opposition Leader, RFE/RL (2010)

The article writes that Georgian police briefly arrested opposition leader Aleksandr Shalamberidze in Tbilisi, as he and some colleagues tried to enter the Tbilisian Publishing House offices, which have been sealed by authorities. Opposition leaders say local authorities are putting pressure on the publishing house because it prints their election campaign materials ahead May 30 local elections.

Georgia: OSCE Deploys Mission to Observe Local Elections, Civil.ge (2010)

The article reports that OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has deployed 16 experts based in Tbilisi and 24 long-term observers will be deployed from next weekend across the country to monitor pre-election campaign ahead of the May 30 local elections.

Ten Georgian Parties Denied Registration For Elections, RFE/RL (2010)

The article says that ten of the 36 parties and movements that applied to participate in the upcoming Georgian local elections have been denied registration. Along with local elections on May 30, parliamentary by-elections in three constituencies and the direct election of the Tbilisi mayor will also be held.

Local Election Campaign Begins In Georgia, RFE/RL (2010)

The article reports that election campaign has been launched and presents brief analyses about political forces contesting for May 30 local elections.

Georgia: Tbilisi Mayoral Race Focus of Local Elections, Civil.ge (2010)

The article informs that on May 20, Georgia will elect 64 new municipal councils in local elections, but the major focus will be on contest in capital city Tbilisi, which will directly elect its mayor for the first time. Outcome of mayoral contest in the capital city, where one-third of the country’s voters are concentrated, is believed to largely determine the country’s political landscape in run up to presidential elections in 2013.

Georgia: Nine Candidates Run for Tbilisi Mayor, Civil.ge (2010)

Nine candidates have applied to Central Election Commission (CEC) for registration to run for Tbilisi mayoral race; deadline expired at 6pm local time on April 30.

Two Georgian Opposition Parties Bow Out Of Elections, RFE/RL (2010)

The article writes that two Georgian opposition parties have withdrawn their candidates from the nationwide local elections scheduled for May 30. One of them explained this step claiming they want to reduce competition among opposition parties. The second party said they believe elections will be falsified anyway.

Georgia: Tbilisi Mayoral Candidates' TV Debates, Civil.ge (2010)

The article reports that five main Tbilisi mayoral candidates discussed employment, social, city infrastructure and communal tariffs during the first and only live TV debates on Saturday, three week before the local elections.

Georgia: Tbilisi Mayor’s Race Boosting Saakashvili’s Governing Party, EurasiaNet (2010)

The article writes that upcoming local elections of May 30 in Georgia will serve as the first serious test of President Mikheil Saakashvili’s political strength since Georgia’s disastrous 2008 war with Russia. Although nine candidates are entered in the race, political experts in Tbilisi now expect the incumbent mayor and Saakashvili protégé, Gigi Ugulava, to win by a wide margin.

Georgia: Commission Agrees on Basic Draft of Constitution, Civil.ge (2010)

The article reports that Georgia's State commission on constitutional reform agreed on May 11 on a draft, which should serve as a basis for the new constitution. If approved the draft, which has yet to face multiple discussions, will significantly increase Prime Minister’s powers at the expense of the presidential authority.

Georgian Lawyers Demand Changes To Electoral Laws, RFE/RL (2010)

The article writes that dozens of Georgian lawyers are protesting in Tbilisi, to demand electoral law amendments before May 40 local elections.

Georgia: Labor Party Calls on Opposition to Boycott Elections, Civil.ge (2010)

The article informs that the head of Georgia's Labor Party has again called other opposition parties to withdraw their candidacies and boycott upcoming local elections on May 30, 2010.

Georgia: CEC Presents Report on Appeals and Statements Submitted by Politicians and NGOs, CEC (2010)

This article reports that on May 17, Zurab Kharatishvili, the Chairperson of the Georgian Central Election Commission (CEC) held a special briefing where he made a presentation regarding the various appeals and statements submitted by the various different candidates, parties and organizations participating in the 2010 elections.

Georgia: Local Election Guide, Civil.ge (2010)

The article presents facts and figures about upcoming May 30 local elections in Georgia. Voters will elect 64 municipal councils, and capital city Tbilisi will first time directly elect its mayor.

Georgia: Some Opposition Parties Cooperate in Tbilisi Majoritarian Contest, Civil.ge (2010)

The article says that Kakha Kukava, co-leader of opposition Conservative Party, withdrew from the race for Tbilisi City Council membership in favor of Davit Saganelidze of Alliance for Georgia. With Kukava’s withdrawal nine contenders remain in race in that constituency.

Georgia: CEC Releases Final Voter List Figures, Civil.ge (2010)

The article reports that according to the Central Electoral Commission of Georgia, the number of voters, eligible to cast ballot in the May 30 local elections, stands at 3,544,770, according to the final version of voters’ list. The capital city, Tbilisi, has 981,505 voters, according to the data available on CEC’s website.

Saakashvili claims victory for his party at Georgian elections, RIAN (2010)

The article informs that Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili congratulated his party on winning local elections on Sunday as exit polls showed a strong performance by the United National Movement in Tbilisi. Opposition says exit polls do not give the real picture of electio results and advise to wait for official results of the poll. This election was seen as a test for Saakashvili and the ruling party as it was the first time voters have been to the polls since August 2008 war with Russia.

Georgian Exit Polls Show Incumbent Ugulava Winning Reelection As Tbilisi Mayor, RFe/RL (2010)

The article reports about the results of Georgia's muinicipal elections on May 30, 2010. According to exit-poll results, the incumbent mayor is leading in Tbilisi mayoral race. Voter turnout exceeded 40%.

Georgia: CEC Reports of 49% Voter Turnout, Civil.ge (2010)

The article writes that 1,740,642 voters cast their ballot in May 30 local elections, making the voter turnout 49%, according to the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Georgia. In capital city Tbilisi, voter turnout was 46.64%.

Georgia: Vote Tabulation Underway, Civil.ge (2010)

The article reports that vote counting into Sunday’s local elections in Goergia started after polling stations were closed at 8pm. Central Election Commission (CEC) started releasing figures of summary protocols from Tbilisi's polling stations. Results from 24 precincts out of total 774 in the capital city were available on CEC website as of 3am local time on Monday, 31 May.

Georgia: Distribution of Seats in Tbilisi City Council, Civil.ge (2010)

The article reports that in the result of 30 May 2010 nationwide local elections in Georgia, the ruling National Movement party will have 39 seats in new 50-member Tbilisi City Council with the rest 11 seats distributed among four other parties. The ruling party is also heading to winning majority of seats in rest of 63 councils across the country.

Georgia opposition leader Alasania says: Elections Valid, Time to Keep Sight on 2012 Polls

Georgia's opposition leader Irakli Alasania told his party activists on May 31, that Sunday elections were valid despite minor irregularities. The said that the new target should be 2012 elections.

OSCE Notes 'Significant Shortcomings' In Georgia Vote, RFE/RL (2010

The article presents results of OSCE/ODIHR preliminary election assessment report for Georgia's local elections, stating the election was "transparent" and marked "evident progress towards meeting international standards." But the OSCE statement added that "significant shortcomings remain to be addressed."

Georgia: Local Watchdog Group on Local Elections, Civil.ge (2010)

This article summarizes the report of ISFED, leading domestic election watchdog in Georgia. ISFED preliminary report says that election administration and the government demonstrated will to conduct fair elections, however, a number of tendencies observed on the election day cast the shadow on positive assessment.

OSCE/ODIHR Press release on Georgian local election, OSCE/ODIHR (2010)

The OSCE/ODIHR press release on May 30, 2010 municipal elections in Georgia states that observers marked evident progress towards meeting international standards, but significant shortcomings remain to be addressed.

Unusually Quiet Elections Mark End Of Revolutionary Cycle In Georgia, RFE/RL (2010)

The commentary argues that Georgia's May 30 municipal elections marked the end of a political cycle that began in the fall of 2007, when the country's opposition collectively decided that since it was impossible to change the regime of President Mikheil Saakashvili by means of elections, it needed to mobilize popular discontent to achieve the same result.

Georgia's Ruling Party Wins Local Elections, RFE/RL (2010)

The article reports that on July 2, Georgia's Central Election Commission released the final results of municipal elections that show President Mikheil Saakashvili's United National Movement won the May 30 poll.

Georgia: Map of Municipal Election Results, Civil.ge (2010)

This link presents the map of results of Georgia's May 30 nationwide local elections, and separately, the map of Tbilisi's mayoral election results.

Georgia's Saakashvili: Constitution will not be Tailored on Personalities, Civil.ge (2010)

The article writes about Consitutional reform in Georgia, which aims at granting more power to the Prime Minister. There are no formal deadlines set for finalizing the document, while president Saakashvili is belived to be having plans to become Prime Minister after the end of his presidential term. However, president said on June 12 that the new constitution "will not be tailored on personalities" and his goal was not staying in power, but securing continuation of reforms launched by the current leadership.

Georgian Opposition Parties Realign In Wake Of Local Election Defeat, RFE/RL (2010)

The article writes that after poor results in May 30 local elections, realignment of the political spectrum is now under way as opposition parties take stock and look ahead, individually and collectively, and begin to plan their strategy for the parliamentary ballot due in 2012.

Georgian Opposition Seeks To Delay Adoption Of New Constitution, RFE/RL (2010)

The article says that ten Georgian opposition parties have released an open letter appealing to the authorities to postpone the adoption of a new constitution until after the parliamentary elections due in 2012. They fear that constitutional amendments are tailored to help the incumbent president take prime minister's position after the end of his term in 2013.

Georgia: Parliament to Launch Constitutional Debates in September, Civil.ge (2010)

The article reports that in September 2010, the Georgian parliament is going to start debating draft of constitutional amendments, which increases Prime Minister's powers at the expense of President. Critics say that the draft will transfer most of the presidential powers to PM, leaving the legislative body as “powerless, as it is now.”

Venice Commission on Georgia’s New Constitution, Civil.ge (2010)

The article reports that Council of Europe’s (CoE) advisory body for legal affairs, Venice Commission, is expected to adopt its opinion on the planned constitutional reform in Georgia at its session on September 15-16. This will be followed with a visit of Venice Commission delegation to Georgia on September 16-17 to discuss recommendations with the Georgian authorities. The proposed constitutional amendments aim at increasing the role of the Prime Minister and decreasing the President's powers.

Georgian President Rejects Venice Commission Criticism Of New Constitution, RFE/RL Caucasus Report (2010)

The article reports that Georgia's president expressed during the meeting with his party colleagues at the legislature that he disagrees with the criticisms by the Council of Europe's Venice Commission of the amendments to the Georgian Constitution currently under discussion. Those critical comments focus on the risk of a direct standoff between the president and the parliament; the procedure for a parliament vote of no confidence in the government; and the proposed abolition of the category of "organic laws" that require a three-fifths or two-thirds majority vote.

Georgia: Bakradze Discusses Constitutional Reform with Opposition, Civil.ge (2010)

The article reports about the meetings of the Chair of Georgian parliament with the leader of oppositional Our Georgia-Free Democrats (OGFD) party to discuss the draft Constitutional amendments. In July OGFD, which is in favor of a presidential system, but also supports increase of powers of the Parliament, called on the state commission on constitutional reform, which developed the new draft, to include in its draft a provision that would ban the incumbent president from being nominated as prime minister for at least five years after the expiration of presidential term. Moreover, 10 opposition parties called on the authorities in July to postpone Constitutional amendments till the elections of a new parliament in 2012, which was rejected.

Georgia: Discussions on Constitutional Draft Move into Parliament, Civil.ge (2010)

The article reports that discussions of draft constitutional amendments have formally moved into the Georgia Parliament on September 20. The parliamentary committee for legal affairs is expected to start discussion of the draft this week and the parliamentary session will likely debate on the matter with the first hearing next week.

Georgia: European Experts' Key Advice on Constitutional Reform, Civil.ge (2010)

The article reports that the main recommendation put forth by the Venice Commission on Georga's draft constitutional amendments is about the change of rule of non-confidence vote. The Venice Commission has produced preliminary opinion on the draft and it was expected to table its final recommendations this week. But considering that there have been some amendments to the draft, the Commission decided to postpone its final opinion for mid-October in order to have the possibility to assess the refined version of the draft.

Georgia: Draft of New Constitution Passed with First Reading, Civil.ge (2010)

The article says that a special session of the Parliament passed on September 24 with 123 votes to 4 with its first reading draft of constitutional amendments, which will cut next president’s powers in favor of PM.

Georgia: Constitutional Amendments Passed with Second Reading, Civil.ge (2010)

The article reports that Georgian parliament has passed draft of constitutional amendments with 125 votes to 4 with its second reading. The draft still requires Parliament’s approval with third and final reading before it becomes law; however, the final stage will be more a technical formality and no substantial changes will be made in the draft.

Georgia: Venice Commission on Revised Draft of Constitution, Civil.ge (2010)

The article writes that Council of Europe’s advisory body for legal affairs, Venice Commission, has called on the Georgian authorities to wait for its final recommendations and to take them “into careful consideration” before finalizing adoption of constitutional amendments.

Georgia: New Opposition Party Launched, The Georgian Times (2010)

The article reports about formation of a new opposition party in Georgia, as a result of regrouping of opposition forces in the country.

Georgia: Adoption of New Constitution Planned on Friday, Civil.ge (2010)

The article reports that today the Georgian parliament will go to final vote on Constitutional amendments. And this will happen despite the pledge of CoE Venice Commission to postpone the final voting till the receipt of final recommendations from the commission and take them into careful consideration.

Georgia: Opposition Calls for Election System Reform Talks, Civil.Ge (2010)

The article reports about the initiative of eight opposition parties who have formally appealed to the authorities on October 12 to launch talks on election system reform proposals.

Georgian Parliament Approves Controversial Constitutional Amendment, RFE/RL (2010)

The article reports about the approval of constitutional amendments by the Georgian legislature. The amendments give grater powers to the Prime Minister and limit the presidential powers. Opposition believes President Saakashvili plans to continue Putin's path and take over the prime minister's position after completion of his second term.

Georgia: Key Points of Newly Adopted Constitution, Civil.Ge (2010)

The article rights about important points in the newly adopted constitution of Geogia, among them: Prime Minister/Government, Non-Confidence Vote, President, Parliament, and Other provision.

Georgia: Opposition, Ruling Party Set for ‘Lengthy’ Election Talks, Civil.ge (2010)

The article reports that on 17 November, Georgia's ruling and opposition parties will launch regual meetings to negotiate about electoral system reform in the country.

Georgia: President Saakashvili Against Change of Majoritarian MP Election Rule, Civil.ge (2010)

The article reports that following the announcement to launch talks on electoral system reform in Georgia, president Saakashvili has made a statement, saying that he does not support suggestions for adopting 100% proportional system in the legislature elections.

Georgia: Election System Reform Talks, Civil.ge (2010)

The article informs about the results for first technical round of meetings between Georgian ruling and opposition parties, in the framework on long term negotiations for electoral system reform.

Georgia: Opposition Rallies Outside Parliament, Civil.ge (2010)

The article reports about opposition rallies in Georgia, leaded by ex-parliamentary speaker Nino Burjanadze. The protests aim at launching a process, which should eventually lead to resignation of President Saakashvili.

Georgia: Opposition Plans New Proposals 'to Save Electoral Talks', Civil.ge (2011)

The article reports that talks over the electoral system in Georgia between the governmental and opposition political forces have come to deadlock. The issue of majoritarian MPs turned into one of the most serious sticking points in talks between the ruling party and the group of eight opposition parties. In the current system, the MPs are elected by winner takes it all principle, while the opposition is pushing for a list proportional system.

Georgia: Opposition Waiting for Ruling Party’s Response, Civil.ge (2011)

The article reports that Georgian opposition is still waiting for response from the ruling party regarding its new proposal on the draft election code amendments. The amendments tackle the issue of a new electoral system, which is the main reason of disagreements between the opposition and the ruling party. On April 13 Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe (PACE) will discuss a draft resolution on honouring of obligations and commitments by Georgia. One of the issues raised in the draft resolution deals with the electoral system talks saying that the 2012 parliamentary and 2013 presidential elections “will be the litmus test for the consolidation of a mature, more inclusive and robust democratic system in Georgia."

Georgia: Parliament to be Fully Relocated to Kutaisi, Civil.ge (2011)

The article reports that Georgia's parliament is discussing constitutional amendments according to which the country's parliament will fully move to Kutaisi, the second largest city, 200km away from the capital.

Georgia: Opposition Wants Ruling Party’s Response by End-May, Civil.ge (2011)

The article reports about the crisis in elections talks between Georgia's ruling and opposition parties. The group of eight opposition parties, as well as some half a dozen other parties, has been engaged in talks on electoral system reform with the ruling party within the framework of the Election Code Working Group (ECWG) since November 2010, facilitated by the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES). Recently the ruling party has said that it would engage in consultations “separately with individual parties”.

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Georgia Protests: One Demonstration, With Many Interpretations, RFERL (2011)

A comprehensive article covers anti-governmental protests in Tbilisi, Georgia, calling for the ouster of president Saakashvili.

Georgia: Two Deaths Mark Independence Day Protest, EurasiaNet (2011)

The article comments on May 26 anti-governmental protests in Tbilisi; responses of the government and opposition regarding the demonstrations, as well as the possible effect of the two deaths on the future of the protests.

Kremlin favorite faces run-off in South Ossetia elections, Deutsche Welle (2011)

The article informs that based on the results of the presidential vote held in the breakaway Georgian region of South Ossetia on November 13, a second round of voting will be held on November 27. The Kremlin-supported candidate Anatoly Bibilov who received 25.44% of the votes, will run against the former education minister Alla Dzhioyeva with 25.37% of the votes. These elections – first ones since the recognition of South Ossetia's independence by Russia after the 2008 war – were condemned by Georgia, the European Union, and NATO.

South Ossetia results on hold in female candidate uproar, RT (2011)

The news article informs that the Supreme Court of South Ossetia put the announcing of the preliminary results of the Sunday's presidential vote under a ban. This was done on the grounds of a complaint of alleged voter pressure, illegal campaigning, and bribery which was launched with reference to the opposition candidate A. Dzhioeva.

Kremlin candidate losing in South Ossetia election, ABC News (2011)

The news article says that after counting the votes in 74 out of 85 precincts the election commission of South Ossetia announced the opposition candidate Alla Dzhioeva appears to have won the second round with 56.7% of the votes over the 40% which the Kremlin-backed candidate Anatoly Bibilov received.

Backers of S. Ossetia self-proclaimed president to rally in Tskhinvali, RIA Novosti (2011)

The news article reports that the opposition candidate Alla Dzhioeva, who had earlier declared herself president in spite of the court decision to void the outcome of the second round of elections, is calling on her supporters to have a rally in the capital of the breakaway republic.

OSCE Plans Up to 400 Observers for Georgia Elections, Civil.ge (2012)

OSCE plans to deploy 28 long-term observers and 350 short-term observers to monitor election day procedures in the upcoming parliamentary elections in Georgia scheduled for this October.