Georgian Electoral System – Current Problems and Challenges

Abstract

According to the definition of modern democracy, the main means of control of the government by citizens is free elections. Elections are a necessary condition for the democratic nature of the state and not a guarantee of it. The election is the key factor in the functioning of democratic systems, which determines the relevance of this topic. The article concerns the Georgian Electoral System, its characteristics, and existing problems; in detail reviews the establishment of the electoral system and the existing regulations of electoral procedures. The article reviews the current problems related to the amendment of the Constitution that includes the transformation of the electoral system to a totally proportional electoral system. The authors gave a detailed analysis of the given draft law and comparative analysis regarding the German electoral system. With respect to democratic principles, thus, any electoral system may be chosen, regardless if it is a plurality or majority system, a proportional system, or a combined system. It should be underlined that there is no such thing as the "best" electoral system that could be exported to all countries in the world. Thus, the electoral system and proposals to reform should be assessed in each individual case.