The Diaspora Committee deliberated on a new edition of the Draft Organic Law on Election Code and the companion draft organic laws, introduced by David Matikashvili, Chair of the Procedural Issues Committee.

According to him, the current version of the Election Code was adopted in 2011, and approximately 100 amendments have been made to it since then. Consequently, certain issues require clarification.

As the reporter noted, the proposed amendments will refine the relevant norms, clarify a number of procedures, and ensure the systematization of uniform provisions.

According to Davit Matikashvili, the most significant change concerns the rules for the participation of voters residing in other countries in elections. Specifically, the rules for the participation of such voters will be altered, and the elections of the Parliament of Georgia will be conducted exclusively within the territory of Georgia.

As explained, the amendments are based on several factors. He noted that making an informed choice requires an analysis of the political situation in the country and an understanding of the existing reality—conditions that citizens living abroad are deprived of. A second factor relates to protecting the will of the voter from foreign influence.

“Our citizens who reside under different jurisdictions, voluntarily or involuntarily, are to some extent subject to the circumstances prevailing in the country in which they live. Therefore, it is often difficult for them to make decisions independently and without external pressure”, - stated Davit Matikashvili.

He added that the basis for the amendments is also supported by existing international practice.

As the Chair of the Diaspora Committee, Irakli Zarkua, stated, the aim of the amendments is to correct an unfair principle, whereby, during the 2024 parliamentary elections, some citizens living outside Georgia were able to participate in the elections while others could not, due to the absence of diplomatic relations with certain countries. Another objective of the amendments is to prevent foreign influence.

According to I. Zarkua, the opinion circulated within certain opposition circles—that the government does not care about members of the diaspora—is false. He noted that, as proof of the government’s close ties with the diaspora, the government finances various projects aimed at preserving cultural identity and promoting education.

“The government actively cares for members of the diaspora and will continue to support them”, - stated Irakli Zarkua.

The Committee approved the drafts.