Appeal by Georgian Regional Media Association

The Georgian Regional Media Association (GRMA) appeals to international and local organizations, means of media, authorities, political parties and groups, embassies accredited in Georgia, society, everyone concerned about further development of democratic processes in Georgia and holding elections in a transparent and fair way.

"Article 12631 which stipulates the administrative penalty of GEL 500 for the observer, election subject or media representative for the violation of Paragraph 2a and 2c of Article 70 of the Election Code which restricts to "Interfere in the functions and activities of election commissions" and "Agitate in favour or against an election subject" was included, as an addendum, in the Election Code of Georgia on December 28, 2009.

Since the given norm fails to provide an exact list specifying the term such as meddling into the functions and activities of the election commission the aforementioned amendment might be applied as a punitive means for observation and journalism missions or as a restrictive tool to conduct monitoring on the elections.

The Coalition for Civil Development has worked out a draft bill aimed at rectifying the aforementioned legislative drawback.

We kindly request you to support this initiative. Let's try together to make the Parliament of Georgia urgently examine the proposal and make timely amendment to the relevant legislation.