The Central Election Commission (CEC) has released details on the new rules for Georgia’s presidential elections. The CEC clarifies the terms, rules, and procedures.

“For the first time in Georgia’s history, the presidential elections will be conducted under a new system, with the president elected for a five-year term by an electoral college of 300 members.

To address misinterpretations and manipulative statements circulating among some parties, the election administration provides detailed clarifications regarding the election process.

The Parliament of Georgia is responsible for calling the presidential elections. According to the Constitution, if the election date coincides with parliamentary elections or the preceding month, the presidential election must be held within 45 days of the first session of the newly elected Parliament. Based on this provision, the Parliament has scheduled the elections for December 14.

The Central Election Commission (CEC) administers the elections. Due to the election date set by Parliament, the CEC has adjusted certain measures and deadlines in line with its legislative authority. Key deadlines include:
Electoral College Composition: Approved by the CEC by decree no later than December 3.
Candidate Nomination: Candidates must be nominated by at least 30 members of the electoral college by December 5.
Candidate Registration: Candidates are registered by the CEC by decree no later than December 8.
The presidential election’s first round will take place at the Palace of the Parliament of Georgia, beginning at 9:00 a.m. on December 14 and concluding by 2:00 p.m. or earlier if all electoral college members have voted.
First Round: A candidate must secure at least two-thirds of the votes from the entire electoral college to win.
Second Round: If no candidate meets this threshold, a second round will be held on the same day, and the candidate with the majority of votes will be elected.
The election administration remains committed to ensuring a transparent and well-organized process, adhering to constitutional requirements and established procedures.

The CEC has also determined the quotas for electoral college members allocated to political unions of authorized citizens:

Yes to Europe – Strategy Agmashenebeli – one member of the electoral college;

European Georgia – Movement for Freedom – two members;

Unity – National Movement – 36 members;

Alliance of Patriots of Georgia – one member;

5. No. 9 – “Strong Georgia – Effort, for the People, for Freedom!” – four members;

Labor Party of Georgia – one member;

Gakharia – For Georgia – nine members;

Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia – 54 members;

Girchi – More Freedom – one member.

According to the quotas, political parties are required to nominate members of the electoral college from representatives of local self-government bodies. Detailed information regarding this process is available on the CEC website.
The election administration has pledged to conduct the presidential elections in strict accordance with legal requirements and international standards. The CEC has also called on all parties to avoid misleading the public. It emphasized its commitment to addressing any disinformation or manipulation, ensuring the dissemination of accurate and verified information to the public,” the CEC states.

The ruling Georgian Dream party has nominated Mikheil Kavelashvili as its presidential candidate. Bidzina Ivanishvili, the party’s Honorary Chairman, presented the candidate.