Georgian parliament passes new electoral code

The Georgian Parliament has passed a new electoral code and rules on financing political parties at an off-schedule session, Georgia Online reports.

The amendments to the code were based on recommendations of the Venice Commission and the Anti-Corruption Commission of the Council of Europe.

Legal bodies will no longer be allowed to finance political parties. The Bindiny Ivanishvili Fund will not be able to finance certain people. One of the amendments brings back the term “independent candidate”, which means that individuals without membership in political parties will be allowed to take part in majority elections.