Georgia’s ruling party official: individuals linked to parties violating constitutional principles will be barred from political activity

Political parties should refrain from admitting individuals barred from political activity into their ranks or including them on party lists, otherwise their registration may be subject to cancellation, said on Monday Irakli Kirtskhalia, the Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party faction in the legislative body.

Kirtskhalia discussed upcoming amendments to the Organic Law on the Constitutional Court, which concern political parties and members that violate the principles of the Constitution.

“A number of changes will be introduced to the Organic Law on the Constitutional Court. Specifically, individuals associated with a political party that violates constitutional principles will be deprived of their passive electoral rights. This means they will no longer be able to run in parliamentary or local elections, hold high-ranking state or political positions, or serve as heads of constitutionally established bodies”, the ruling party official said.

He emphasised that such individuals would be fully distanced from political life.

“Not only will they be barred from direct participation in governance, but they will also be prohibited from engaging in party activities. They will not be allowed to join any political party, hold any position within party structures, or establish a new political party. Parties operating in accordance with the Constitution must refrain from entering into any political or legal relations with such individuals”, he continued.

He further noted that if political parties fail to comply with a decision of the Constitutional Court - such as admitting an individual banned from party membership - they will face criminal penalties, including fines.

The ruling Georgian Dream party will file a lawsuit prepared based on the conclusion of the Parliament’s Temporary Investigative Commission, examining crimes committed by the former United National Movement Government between 2003 and 2012, with the Constitutional Court in the near future.