Gov’t trying to gain control on Central Election Commission – opposition MP

Beka Liluashvili, an MP from the For Georgia opposition party, on Monday claimed the ruling Georgian Dream party was allegedly taking actions to gain control on the country’s Central Election Commission through the recently adopted bill, which authorizes the Parliament to appoint the body’s top figures. 

The lawmaker claimed the ruling party’s potential  influence over the CEC ahead of the October’s general elections represented a step backward, questioning the necessity for “such control” over an institution meant to oversee fair elections. He suggested the changes could hinder Georgia’s progress towards EU integration.

In comments on the President’s recent veto of the bill, Liluashvili speculated it was motivated by the need to ensure the country’s alignment with EU standards. However, he anticipated that the ruling party would persist in pushing the amendments despite the veto.

On March 5, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili vetoed amendments to the Electoral Code, calling for a reinstatement of presidential authority in selecting CEC members. She emphasized the importance of opposition participation in appointing the CEC deputy chair. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze condemned the veto as detrimental to state interests and vowed to override it.