The Venice Commission has published its opinion on amendments to Georgia’s Organic Law on the Election Code of Georgia concerning local self-government elections. The opinion was requested by Marc Cools, President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe.
The Commission criticized the fast-tracked adoption of the amendments, emphasizing that successful electoral reforms should be implemented only after public consultations with all relevant stakeholders and based on broad consensus.
Additionally, the Commission noted that introducing changes less than a year before the October 2025 local elections violates the principle of stability in electoral legislation.
The report highlights concerns that the amendments strengthen the majoritarian component of Georgia’s local election system, potentially solidifying the ruling party’s dominance.
“While European standards do not prescribe a specific electoral system for local council elections, these amendments, when considered in a broader context, do not promote political pluralism. Moreover, they may undermine the principle of equal suffrage, particularly regarding the fair distribution of voting power and equal opportunities in the electoral process,” the opinion states.
The Venice Commission also issued recommendations:
* Repealing the amendments adopted in December 2024.
* Regulating constituency delimitation strictly within the Electoral Code, ensuring clear and objective criteria for drawing electoral districts.
* Entrusting border delimitation to an impartial boundary authority after the upcoming local elections.
* Avoiding frequent and fragmented amendments to the Electoral Code and instead conducting a comprehensive review of the electoral system to ensure stability.
* Basing electoral reforms on broad consensus, extensive public consultations, and adherence to international obligations and standards.
The Venice Commission reaffirmed its readiness to assist Georgian authorities and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in further addressing these issues.
