Margvelashvili: we need a fairer electoral system

President Georgi Margelashvili has proposed holding intensive consultations in order to determine the necessary changes to the country’s electoral system.

"In fact, the entire political spectrum, opposition parties and the government coalition (Georgian Dream), determined the best basis for the formation of the Georgian electoral system. The answer is obvious: it is the country's transition to a majority system, which is fairer and more proportionate,'' President said.

Margelashvili noticed that the citizens of Georgia and the entire political spectrum, except for the ruling coalition, are in favor of changes to the electoral system in 2016.

"The ruling coalition has a slightly different position, which plans to make amendments only by 2020. I think that is not fully argued. It is not clear why we have to postpone the issue for four years when everybody is agreed that it is good and acceptable now,’’ President concluded.

It worth noting that the first parliamentary elections are to take place in Georgia in the autumn of 2016 after the loss by Mikheil Saakashvili’s supporters and the approval of the new government.

A mixed system is operating in the country now. Thus, the parliament consists of 77 deputies elected in accordance with the proportional system and 73 members elected according to the first-past-the-post system.

On the threshold of the parliamentary elections, Giorgi Margvelashvili signed amendments to the Electoral Code that are to change the previously established boundaries of electoral districts. For example, the borders of 73 majoritarian constituencies will be changed, separate districts are to combine, and individual ones are to be divided.