Individuals linked to parties violating constitutional principles to lose passive electoral rights – Kirtskhalia

Irakli Kirtskhalia, ruling Georgian Dream’s leader of the parliamentary majority on Monday said amendments would be introduced to the Organic Law on the Constitutional Court, restricting individuals affiliated with political parties that violate constitutional principles from holding public office or participating in elections.

“Individuals connected to political parties that breach the principles of the Constitution will be deprived of their passive electoral rights, meaning they will no longer be eligible to run in parliamentary or local elections, hold high-ranking state or political positions, or lead constitutionally established bodies,” Kirtskhalia said at a briefing following a meeting of the parliamentary majority.

He added such individuals would not only be barred from direct involvement in governance but would also be excluded from political party activities.

“They will be prohibited from joining any political party, holding positions within internal party structures, or establishing new political organisations. Constitution-abiding parties, in turn, will be required to refrain from any political or legal cooperation with such individuals,” he explained.

Kirtskhalia added that political parties must not admit these individuals as members, include them on party lists, or accept donations from them, warning that noncompliance could lead to the revocation of party registration.

“In addition, if political parties fail to comply with decisions issued by the Constitutional Court - for instance, by admitting individuals banned from party membership - they will face criminal penalties,” Kirtskhalia said.