Political analysts treat proposal to change electoral system as blow on "Georgian Dream"

The system of election of Georgian MPs is not subject to revision, despite the ultimatums of the opposition, Irakli Kobakhidze, the Speaker, has stated. Should the electoral system change, the ruling "Georgian Dream" Party would lose its constitutional majority, the political analysts interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot" believe.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the oppositional "European Georgia" Party, which supported Grigol Vashadze in the second round of presidential election, suggested changing the election system due to the need to hold extraordinary parliamentary elections.

Inside the "Georgian Dream", a decision was made to use a two-stage electoral reform; and at present it is not subject to revision, said the Speaker of the Parliament, Irakli Kobakhidze, also the Executive Secretary of the ruling party. "This decision is not subject to any revision, especially under this type of ultimatum from the losing political parties. It is completely comical," the "Imedi" quotes Mr Kobakhidze as saying.

Under the amended election system, the ruling party will not be able to get the constitutional majority in the parliament, elections will be competitive, and more parties will be present in the parliament, Mamuka Zhgenti, a member of the NGO "Georgian Institute of European Values", is sure.

According to his story, authorities need time to evaluate the opposition's initiative. "The situation is changing; and the authorities have specific challenges to which they must respond; and this dialogue will benefit the country and, above all, the 'Georgian Dream'. The change of the election system is the only logical and real way out of the situation," Mr Zhgenti told the "Caucasian Knot".

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on December 6, 2018 at 07:14 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.