Second round of voting to elect members of the High Council of Justice (HCoJ) and the disciplinary board is scheduled to be held during today’s plenary session of the parliament where the following 12 shortlisted candidates will participate: Gocha Mamulashvili, Vakhtang Tordia, Nino Bakakuri, Eva Gotsiridze, Ekaterine Gasitashvili, Kakhaber Sopromadze, Mamuka Songhulashvili, Levan Khetsuriani, Gia Meparishvili, Madi Chantladze, Roin Migirauli and Davit Sualkvelidze, and four candidates for disciplinary board membership: Ketevan Bekauri, Nino Nishnianidze, Merab Chikovani and Giorgi Turazashvili.
In view of public interest, we deem it important for the Chairman of the Parliament to allow candidates to present a summary of their views during the plenary session, where MPs will have an opportunity to ask questions. Regrettably, this was not the case during stage 1 of the competition.
We believe that these discussions will allow the parliament to make an informed decision and choose best candidates. It is also important for public to have an opportunity to hear views about further judicial reforms from their prospective representatives in key parts of the judiciary.
Therefore, we urge the Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia to make corresponding changes in the plenary meeting agenda and allow candidates to present their views about the development of an independent judiciary in Georgia, while MPs will be able to ask questions. Public should know the candidates that the parliament will favor for the HCoJ membership, which they will be able to by means of a parliamentary discussion.
Transparency International – Georgia
Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association
Article 42 of the Constitution
International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy
The Human Rights Education and Monitoring Center
Georgian Democratic Initiative
