The NGO “Young Barristers” responds to the discussion over the new electoral system,  formed on the ground of the Constitutional Court decision of May 28, 2015 and urges the Government to create multi-mandate constituencies. Direct communication with the citizens on the electoral issues should start so that different political agreements didn’t violate electoral rights of the local voters.   

Levan Beradze, a lawyer with Young Barristers states  that electoral reform should not become a part of secret political deals. Although Majority Election  System has significant flaws, just like any other electoral system, before we decide to implement Proportional Representation System, it is necessary to completely  realize new approach and adjust it to the current situation. We consider the approach, according to which  the number of registered voters of the particular municipality should be taken into account in the process of defining boundaries of the single-member constituency, and the State’s efforts towards creation of the equal electoral constituencies, correct. However, the future development of the reform raises the risk,  that voters from the mountainous regions of the country will no longer have a representative in the Parliament. That is why the organization supports creation of the multi-member constituency.  

“Young Barristers” positively evaluates political promise for the establishment of 50% threshold for the Majority Election System for  2016 parliament election. In addition, organization points, that before complete abolition of the Majority Institution, submission of the new regulations, increasing  accountability of the majoritarian representatives, would  be more appropriate. 

“Young Barristers” thinks, that in some cases, the essence of the Majoritarian Representation is violated, reflected in the less communication and fewer meetings of the majoritarian representatives with the population, while  they  are directly obliged to meet the voters and support them. In order to make Majoritarian representation effective, additional legislative regulations should be promulgated, clearly defining  their authority, their role in the solution of the issues at the local level, their relations with self-governing authorities and etc...

The law on the Status of the Member of the Parliament does not completely define duties and responsibilities of the Majoritarian Member of Parliament. Accordingly, the flaws of the legislation should be corrected rather than abolishing the Majoritarian Electoral System.