Based on the Bureau’s decision, the parliament starts the Committee hearings of the new edition of the Electronic Code.

The Draft Organic Law on the Election Code envisages as follows:

• The rules governing the participation of voters residing abroad in elections are changing. Consequently, the elections of the Parliament will be held only within the state borders of Georgia, similar to municipal elections;
• The procedures for candidate registration are being simplified. In particular, the registration card will no longer be required. Currently, a candidate must submit two documents: a registration card and a declaration of party affiliation. The draft proposes that for registration, a candidate will only need to complete the consent form for participation in the elections. This form will include consent information as well as details of residence requirements and party affiliation;
• The grounds for nominating candidates and for refusal/cancellation of registration are being changed and standardized. According to the draft, a party will be authorized to nominate only a member of that party as a candidate, while an initiative group may nominate a non-party candidate. Otherwise, the candidate will not be registered, or the registration of a registered candidate will be canceled;

The draft also clarifies the rules for photo and video recording for the purpose of personal data protection; establishes that, when relevant legal grounds exist, the decision to leave a complaint without consideration will be issued by the chairperson of the respective commission; and, for the purpose of ensuring the uninterrupted conduct of the voting process, changes the rules related to removal from the building on election day, etc.

The Draft is authored and initiated by MPs Archil Gorduladze, Tornike Cheishvili, Alexander Tabatadze, David Matikashvili, Rati Ionatamishvili, Aluda Gudushauri, Tengiz Sharmranashvili, Guram Macharashvili and Akaki Aladashvili.