The Parliament begins consideration of the new edition of the “Election Code”. The draft “Election Code” and the legislative amendments attached to it will be considered by the Human Rights Committee of the Parliament on November 19.

The new election legislation changes a number of election norms and procedures related to elections.

One of the important changes to the “Election Code” is that Georgian citizens abroad will not be able to vote abroad during the parliamentary elections. Like municipal elections, parliamentary elections will be held only within the state borders of Georgia.

The rules for photo and video shooting are being clarified. In particular, according to the draft, it is established that photo and video shooting at a polling station does not imply audio monitoring.

Candidate registration procedures are being simplified and registration cards will no longer be required. Currently, for the purpose of candidate registration, two documents must be submitted - a registration card and a statement on party affiliation. According to the draft, for the purpose of registration, the candidate will only fill out the consent form for participation in the elections, where, along with the consent, information on the residence permit and party affiliation is indicated.

The grounds for nominating candidates and also for refusing to register/cancelling registration are changing. According to the draft, a party will be authorized to nominate only its member as a candidate, while an initiative group will nominate a non-party candidate. Otherwise, the candidate will not be registered or the registration of a registered candidate will be canceled.

The amendment to the draft “Election Code” also applies to the term for convening the first session of the Sakrebulo. According to the current version of the law, the first session of the Sakrebulo will be convened by the CEC within 30 days after the final results of the elections are summarized. The draft provides for the convening of the first session within 14 days from the beginning of the Sakrebulo's term of office.

The authors and initiators of the draft are the following deputies of the Georgian Dream: - Archil Gorduladze, Tornike Cheishvili, Rati Ionatamishvili, Aluda Ghudushauri, Davit Matikashvili, Guram Macharashvili, Akaki Aladashvili, Tengiz Sharmanashvili, Aleksandre Tabatadze.