The Venice Commission published its opinion and recommendations “On the Amendments to to the Organic Law Election Code of Georgia pertaining to the local self-governance elections.”

The opinion has been drafted at its 142nd Plenary Session on March 14-15.

In the Conclusion, the Venice Commission notes that the proposed amendments reinforce the majoritarian component of local electoral legislation, which may result in the further entrenchment of the governing party’s position.

“While no specific European standards mandate a particular electoral system for the election of local councils, these amendments, when considered within their broader context, do not contribute to the promotion of political pluralism. Moreover, they may undermine the principle of equal suffrage, particularly in relation to the fair allocation of voting power and the assurance of equal opportunities within the electoral process,” the Commission said.

The Venice Commission issued several recommendations:

“Repealing the amendments adopted in December 2024; Regulating constituency delimitation tightly at the level of the Electoral Code, which should establish clear and objective criteria for the delimitation of the electoral districts; Following the upcoming local elections, entrusting border delimitation to an impartial boundary authority.

Any additional amendments to the Electoral Code of Georgia should be undertaken within the framework of a thorough and comprehensive review of the electoral system, ensuring an all-encompassing reform, rather than through frequent and fragmented adjustments, and should respect the principle of stability of electoral legislation.

Such comprehensive review of the electoral code should be based on clear and comprehensive legislation that meets international obligations and standards and addresses prior recommendations; on broad consensus after extensive public consultations with all relevant stakeholders; and on the political commitment to fully implement such legislation in good faith, with adequate procedural and judicial safeguards and means by which to timely evaluate any alleged failure to do so,” reads the opinion.

The Venice Commission reconfirms that it remains at the disposal of the Georgian authorities and of the Congress of Local of Regional Authorities for further assistance in this matter.