Citizens opposition MP Ioseliani elected as Georgia’s new public defender

The Georgian parliament on Tuesday elected Levan Ioseliani, an MP from the opposition Citizens party, as the country’s new public defender for a term of six years. 

 

Ninety-six MPs, both from the parliamentary majority and minority, voted for him. 

 

Last year the parliamentary majority granted the right to the opposition to nominate candidates for the new public defender as they said to “facilitate” the fulfillment of one of 12 conditions of the EU on “unbiased” ombudsperson to grant the country its membership candidate status later this year. 

 

The sides have been unable until the nomination of Ioseliani at the end of February to come to an agreement on a “jointly acceptable candidate”. 

 

At least 90 votes were required for electing the new public advocate in the 150-member parliament.