Georgians can only vote on the territory of the country. “The influence of external forces will be reduced”

The citizens of Georgia will be able to exercise their right to vote only on the territory of the country, according to the amendments brought to the Electoral Code and approved on Wednesday in the Tbilisi Parliament with 79 votes for and 11 against, informs EFE, according to Agerpres.

According to the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, these changes will “reduce the influence of external forces” on the country's electoral processes and allow Georgians to make a “more appropriate and informed” choice.

He also stated that “the model complies with international standards” and is “as Ireland, Malta, Armenia and Israel vote”.

The ban will apply for the first time during the 2028 parliamentary elections.

In the legislative elections of 2024, unrecognized by the opposition, in the 60 polling stations open abroad, about 34,000 Georgians voted out of the almost 96,000 registered by the consular authorities.

According to the opposition United National Movement, the government wants to silence Georgian emigrants, who largely vote against the ruling Georgian Dream party.

Meanwhile, the authorities reject the criticism of those who challenge the new initiative and assure that Georgian citizens abroad are not deprived of their right to vote, but will have to return to the country if they want to participate in political life.