Georgian parliament adopts Electoral Code in first reading

Today, all the 110 Georgian MPs present at the sitting have voted, in the first reading, for the draft of the new Electoral Code.

According to the parliamentary majority, the consideration of the new Electoral Code in the second reading is planned for the next week at an extraordinary session, the "News-Georgia" reports.

However, the opposition has challenged a number of amendments proposed by the majority. According to the latter, the draft was voted on in general, while negotiation of controversial issues will continue in the second reading. The parliament is going to adopt the new wording of the Electoral Code by means of accelerated procedure by the end of the year, the "Georgia Online" writes.

The new Electoral Code assumes elimination of video cameras at polling stations and marking of voters. Besides, the amount of donations admissible for individuals into subjects' election fund is doubled – up to 60,000 laris (about 36,000 US dollars).

The party lists of candidates in the proportional system will increase from 100-200 to 150-250 persons. Observers will have the right to make photos and videos at polling stations, in case they do not obstruct the voting process.