“The election legislation does not consider the cancellation of a candidate’s registration on party lists before the recognition of the authority of newly elected MPs, either the request is made by the parties or through individual applications,” the  Central Election Commission (CEC) stated.

“Although the parties involved in the election process are fully aware that this is legally impossible, they have opted manipulation, both in this matter and in the evaluation of the elections, presumably to exert pressure on the CEC.

The election administration, as in all other cases, will fully adhere to the law in this matter.

To clarify for the public, we would like to explain that, under Article 120 of the Election Code, a party participating in the elections has the right to revoke its decision to nominate a candidate for parliamentary membership remaining on the party list, but only after the authorities of the elected members of Parliament are recognized.

Also, a candidate for membership in the Parliament of Georgia may, after the recognition of the power of the elected members of Parliament, withdraw his/her candidacy from the party list, for which he/she must submit an appropriate application to the CEC,” the CEC stated.