The ruling Georgian Dream party has introduced a bill aiming to restrict voting rights for Georgians living abroad. The proposed legislation would prevent members of the Georgian diaspora from participating in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili confirmed that the bill is under consideration, though details about its contents and rationale have not been fully disclosed. Supporters of the proposal argue that the measure is intended to address concerns over electoral integrity, while opponents fear it could disenfranchise a significant portion of the Georgian population.
The move has sparked debate within Georgia and among international observers, with critics asserting that it may undermine democratic principles by limiting voter participation. The bill is expected to undergo parliamentary review in the coming weeks, with potential implications for Georgia’s electoral process and its relations with the diaspora community.