Constitution of Georgia

CONSTITUTION OF GEORGIA

We, the citizens of Georgia, whose firm will is to establish a democratic social order, economic freedom, a rule-of-law and a social state, to secure

universally recognized human rights and freedoms, to enhance state independence and peaceful relations with other peoples, drawing inspiration from

centuries-old traditions of statehood of the Georgian nation and the historical-legal legacy of the Constitution of Georgia of 1921, proclaim the present

Constitution before God and the nation.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

CHAPTER ONE

General Provisions

Article 1

1. Georgia shall be an independent, unified, and indivisible state, as confirmed by the Referendum of 31 March 1991, held throughout the territory of

the country, including the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia and the Former Autonomous Region of South Ossetia, and by the Act of

Restoration of State Independence of Georgia of 9 April 1991.

2. The political structure of the State of Georgia shall be a democratic republic.

3. ‘Georgia’ shall be the name of the State of Georgia.

 

Article 2

1. The territory of the State of Georgia shall be determined as of 21 December 1991. The Constitution and laws of Georgia shall acknowledge the

territorial integrity of Georgia and the inviolability of state borders recognized by the world community of nations and international organizations.

2. Alienation/transfer of the territory of Georgia shall be prohibited. The state borders may be changed only by a bilateral agreement with a

neighbouring state.

3. Constitutional law shall determine the territorial state structure of Georgia on the basis of the principle of delimitation of powers after the complete

restoration of jurisdiction of Georgia over the whole territory of the country.

4. The citizens of Georgia registered in a self-governing unit shall regulate the affairs of local importance through local self-government, without

prejudice to the state sovereignty, in accordance with the legislation of Georgia. State authorities shall promote the development of local selfgovernance.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3272 of 6 February 2004 – LHG I, No 2, 7.2.2004, Art. 5

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 3

1. The following shall fall within the exclusive competence of supreme state authorities of Georgia:

a) legislation on Georgian citizenship, human rights and freedoms, emigration and immigration, entering and leaving the country, temporary or

permanent residence of foreign citizens and stateless persons in Georgia

b) status, regime, and protection of the state borders, status and protection of territorial waters, airspace, continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone

c) state defense and security, military forces, military industry, and trade in arms

d) issues of war and peace, determination and introduction of legal regime of states of emergency and martial law

e) foreign policy and international relations

f) foreign trade, customs and tariff regimes

g) state finances and state loans, money issuing, as well as banking, credit, insurance, and tax legislation

h) standards and models, geodesy and cartography, determination of exact time, state statistics

i) unified energy system and regime, communications, merchant fleet, ensigns, harbors of state significance, airports and aerodromes, control of airspace,

transit and air transport, registration of air transport, meteorological service, environmental observation systems

j) railways and motor roads of state significance

k) fishing in oceans and high seas

l) sanitary cordon on borders

m) pharmaceutical legislation

n) legislation on accreditation of educational institutions and academic degrees

o) intellectual property legislation

p) trade, criminal, civil, administrative and labour, penitentiary and procedural legislation

q) criminal police and investigation

r) land, minerals, and natural resources legislation.

2. Issues falling within the joint competence shall be determined separately.

3. The Constitutional Law of Georgia on the Status of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara shall determine the status of the Autonomous Republic of

Ajara.

4. The Constitutional Law of Georgia on the Status of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia shall determine the status of the Autonomous Republic of

Abkhazia.

5. An organic law of Georgia shall define the status and powers of Lazika city.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 260 of 20 April 2000 – LHG I, No 15, 25.4.2000, Art. 36

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 1689 of 10 October 2002 – LHG I, No 28, 28.10.2002, Art. 128

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 4135 of 27 December 2006 – LHG I, No 3, 11.1.2007, Art. 46

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 6602 of 29 June 2012 – website, 10.7.2012

 

Article 4

1. After appropriate conditions have been created and local self-government bodies have been formed throughout the territory of Georgia, 2 chambers

shall be set up within the Parliament of Georgia: the Council of Republic and the Senate.

2. The Council of Republic shall consist of members elected under the principle of proportionality.

3. The Senate shall consist of members elected from the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, the Autonomous Republic of Ajara, and other territorial

units of Georgia as well as 5 members appointed by the President of Georgia.

4. An organic law shall define the composition, powers, and election procedure of the chambers.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 260 of 20 April 2000 – LHG I, No 15, 25.4.2000, Art. 36

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 1689 of 10 October 2002 – LHG I, No 28, 28.10.2002, Art. 128

 

Article 5

1. People shall be the source of state authority in Georgia. State authority shall be exercised within the ambit of the Constitution.

2. People shall exercise their power through a referendum, other forms of direct democracy, and their representatives.

3. No one shall have the right to appropriate or illegally seize power.

4. State authority shall be exercised under the principle of separation of powers.

 

Article 6

1. The Constitution of Georgia shall be the supreme law of the State. All other legal acts shall comply with the Constitution.

2. The legislation of Georgia shall comply with the universally recognized principles and rules of international law. An international treaty or agreement

of Georgia, unless it comes into conflict with the Constitution or the Constitutional Agreement of Georgia, shall take precedence over domestic

normative acts.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 826 of 30 March 2001 – LHG I, No 9, 10.4.2001, Art. 33

 

Article 7

The State shall recognize and protect universally recognized human rights and freedoms as eternal and supreme human values. While exercising

authority, the people and the State shall be bound by these rights and freedoms as directly applicable law.

 

Article 8

The state language of Georgia shall be Georgian. The state language of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia shall be Georgian and Abkhazian.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 1689 of 10 October 2002 – LHG I, No 28, 28.10.2002, Art. 128

 

Article 9

1. The State shall declare absolute freedom of belief and religion. At the same time, the State shall recognize the outstanding role of the Apostolic

Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Georgia in the history of Georgia and its independence from the State.

2. Relations between the State of Georgia and the Apostolic Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Georgia shall be governed by Constitutional

Agreement. Constitutional Agreement shall be in full compliance with the universally recognized principles and norms of international law, specifically

in terms of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 826 of 30 March 2001 – LHG I, No 9, 10.4.2001, Art. 33

 

Article 10

Tbilisi shall be the capital of Georgia.

 

Article 11

An organic law shall define the state symbols of Georgia.

 

CHAPTER TWO

Citizenship of Georgia; Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms

Article 12

1. Georgian citizenship shall be acquired by birth and naturalization.

2. A citizen of Georgia may not have dual citizenship as a citizen of another state except as provided for by this paragraph. The President of Georgia may

grant Georgian citizenship to a foreign citizen who has special merits before Georgia or when Georgian citizenship is granted to him/her in the interests

of the State.

3. An organic law shall define the procedure for acquisition and loss of Georgian citizenship.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3272 of 6 February 2004 – LHG I, No 2, 7.2.2004, Art. 5

Article 13

1. Georgia shall protect its citizens regardless of their whereabouts.

2. No one shall be deprived of his/her citizenship.

3. Expulsion of a Georgian citizen from Georgia shall be inadmissible.

4. Transfer of a Georgian citizen to a foreign state shall be inadmissible, except as provided for by an international agreement. A decision on transfer

may be appealed in court.

 

Article 14

Everyone is born free and is equal before the law regardless of race, color, language, sex, religion, political and other opinions, national, ethnic and social

belongings, origin, property status and title, place of residence.

 

Article 15

1. Life is an inviolable human right and shall be safeguarded by law.

2. No one shall be condemned to the death penalty.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 4137 of 27 December 2006 – LHG I, No 3, 11.1.2007, Art. 48

 

Article 16

Everyone shall have the freedom to develop their own personality.

 

Article 17

1. Human honor and dignity shall be inviolable.

2. No one shall be subjected to torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.

3. Physical or mental coercion of a detainee or a person whose liberty has been otherwise restricted shall be inadmissible.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 4137 of 27 December 2006 – LHG I, No 3, 11.1.2007, Art. 48

 

Article 18

1. Human liberty shall be inviolable.

2. Without a court decision, imprisonment, or other restrictions of personal liberty shall be inadmissible.

3. A specially authorized official may arrest a person in cases provided for by law. A detainee or a person whose liberty has been otherwise restricted

shall be brought before a court of competent jurisdiction not later than 48 hours. If the court does not adjudicate upon detention or any other kind of

liberty restriction within the following 24 hours, the person shall be released forthwith.

4. (Deleted – 27.12.2006, No 4137).

5. An arrestee or a detainee shall be made aware of his/her rights and the grounds for liberty restriction upon his/her arrest or detention. An arrestee or

a detainee may request the assistance of an advocate upon his/her arrest or detention and the request shall be satisfied.

6. Pre-trial detention period shall not exceed nine months.

7. Violation of the provisions of this article shall be punishable by law. A person arrested or detained unlawfully shall have the right to compensation.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 4137 of 27 December 2006 – LHG I, No 3, 11.1.2007, Art. 48

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 19

1. Everyone has the right to freedom of speech, thought, conscience, religion, and belief.

2. No one shall be persecuted because of his/her speech, thought, religion or belief, or be compelled to express his/her opinion about them.

3. Freedoms laid down in this article may not be restricted unless expression thereof infringes upon the rights of others.

 

Article 20

1. Every individual’s private life, home, personal papers, correspondence, communication by telephone, and by other technical means, including

messages received through other technical means, shall be inviolable. The aforementioned rights may be restricted only by a court decision; or in

absence thereof, in case of urgent necessity, as provided for by law.

2. No one shall have the right to enter a place of residence and other possessions against the will of possessors, nor conduct a search unless there is a

court decision or urgent necessity provided for by law.

 

Article 21

1. The right to own and inherit property shall be recognized and inviolable. Abrogation of the universal right to ownership, acquisition, alienation, or

inheritance of property shall be inadmissible.

2. The rights laid down in the first paragraph of this article may be restricted for pressing social needs in the case and in the manner prescribed by law so

that the nature of property right is not infringed.

3. Property may be deprived for pressing social needs as prescribed by law, by court decision, or in case of urgent necessity determined by an organic

law, provided that preliminary, full, and fair compensation is made. Compensation shall be exempted from any taxes and fees.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 22

1. Everyone lawfully within the territory of Georgia shall have the right to liberty of movement and freedom to choose his residence within that

territory.

2. Everyone lawfully within the territory of Georgia shall be free to leave the country.

3. The above-mentioned rights shall not be subject to any restrictions, except the restrictions provided for by law are necessary to protect national

security, public safety, public health, or to prevent crime or to administer justice insofar as is necessary to maintain a democratic society.

4. A citizen of Georgia shall be free to enter Georgia.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 23

1. Freedom of intellectual creativity shall be guaranteed. The right to intellectual property shall be inviolable.

2. Interference in creative work or censorship in the field of creative activity shall be inadmissible.

3. Creative work shall not be seized and its dissemination shall not be prohibited unless it infringes upon the legal rights of other individuals.

 

Article 24

1. Everyone shall be free to receive and impart information, to express and disseminate his/her opinion orally, in writing, or otherwise.

2. Mass media shall be free. Censorship shall be inadmissible.

3. Neither the State nor particular individuals shall have the right to monopolize mass media or the means of dissemination of information.

4. Exercise of rights laid down in the first and second paragraphs of this article may be restricted by law, to the extent and insofar as is necessary in a

democratic society, in order to guarantee state security, territorial integrity or public safety, to prevent crime, to safeguard rights and dignity of others,

to prevent the disclosure of information acknowledged as confidential, or to ensure the independence and impartiality of justice.

 

Article 25

1. Everyone, except those within the composition of military forces and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, has the right to public assembly without arms,

either indoors or outdoors, without prior permission.

2. A law may determine the need for prior notification to the state authority if a public assembly or a manifestation is to be held on a public

thoroughfare.

3. State authority may terminate a public assembly or a manifestation only if it assumes unlawful character.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 2494 of 23 December 2005 – LHG I, No 1, 4.1.2006, Art. 1

 

Article 26

1. Everyone shall have the right to establish and join public associations, including trade unions.

2. Citizens of Georgia shall have the right to form a political party or other political associations and participate in their activities in accordance with

organic law.

3. Formation and activity of public and political associations that aim to overthrow or forcibly change the constitutional order of Georgia, to infringe

upon the independence and territorial integrity of the country, or to propagandize war or violence, to stir up national, ethnic, religious, or social animosity, shall be inadmissible.

4. Creation of paramilitary forces by public and political associations shall be inadmissible.

5. An individual enrolled in the military forces or the bodies of internal affairs, or an individual having been appointed as a judge or as a prosecutor shall

cease his/her membership in any political association.

6. Activity of public or political associations may be suspended or prohibited only by a court decision in the cases and in the manner prescribed by

organic law.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 2494 of 23 December 2005 – LHG I, No 1, 4.1.2006, Art. 1

 

Article 27

The State shall have the right to impose restrictions on the political activity of foreign citizens and stateless persons.

 

Article 28

1. Every citizen of Georgia, who has attained the age of 18, shall have the right to participate in referenda and elections of state and self-government

bodies. Free expression of the will of electors shall be guaranteed.

2. Citizens who have been found legally incapable by court or who have been deprived of their liberty by a court decision shall have no right to

participate in elections and referenda, except persons having committed less serious crimes.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 5630 of 27 December 2011– website, 9.1.2012

 

Article 29

1. Every citizen of Georgia shall have the right to hold any public office if they meet the requirements established by law.

11. A citizen of Georgia who is at the same time a citizen of any foreign country may not hold the office of President, Prime Minister, or Chairperson of

the Parliament of Georgia.

2. Law shall define the requirements for public office.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 30

1. No one shall be required to perform forced labour.

2. The State shall be bound to promote free enterprise and competition. Monopolistic activity shall be prohibited except as permitted by law. Consumer

rights shall be protected by law.

3. The State shall protect the labour rights of the citizens of Georgia abroad on the basis of international agreements governing labour relations.

4. Organic law shall define protection of labour rights, fair compensation for work and safe, healthy working conditions, as well as working conditions

for juveniles and women.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 31

The State shall guarantee equal socio-economic development for all regions of the country. The law shall establish special privileges to ensure the socioeconomic

progress of high mountain regions.

 

Article 32

The State shall promote helping the unemployed find work. Law shall determine conditions for ensuring some minimum standard of living and status

for the unemployed.

 

Article 33

The right to strike shall be recognized. Law shall determine the procedure for exercising this right. Law shall also establish the guarantees for the

activity of offices of vital importance.

 

Article 34

1. The State shall support the development of culture, unrestricted participation of citizens in cultural life, expression and enrichment of cultural origins,

recognition of national and universal values, and deepening of international cultural relations.

2. Every citizen of Georgia shall be obliged to protect and preserve their cultural heritage. The State shall protect cultural heritage by law.

 

Article 341

The State shall facilitate the physical development of adults and youth as well as their engagement in sports through cooperation with educational

institutions and sports associations.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

 

 

Article 35

1. Everyone shall have the right to education. Freedom of choice in education shall be guaranteed.

2. The State shall ensure harmony of the national educational system within international educational environment.

3. The State shall guarantee pre-school education as prescribed by law. Elementary and basic education shall be compulsory. General education shall be

fully funded by the State according to law. Citizens shall have the right to State funded vocational and higher education in the manner and to the extent

as prescribed by law.

4. The State shall support educational institutions as prescribed by law.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 2597 of 23 July 2003 – LHG I, No 23, 12.08.2003, Art. 168

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 4135 of 27 December 2006 – LHG I, No 3, 11.01.2007, Art. 46

 

Article 36

1. Marriage shall be based upon the equality of rights and free will of spouses.

2. The State shall promote family welfare.

3. Law shall safeguard the rights of mothers and children.

 

Article 37

1. Everyone shall have the right to health insurance as a means of affordable medical aid. Free medical aid shall be guaranteed in the manner and to the

extent as prescribed law.

2. The State shall exercise control over all healthcare institutions, as well as over the production and trade of medicines.

3. Everyone shall have the right to live in a healthy environment and the right to use the natural and cultural environment. Everyone shall be obliged to

protect the natural and cultural environment.

4. Taking into account the interests of current and future generations, the State shall guarantee environmental protection and rational use of nature in

order to ensure a safe environment for human health and maintain sustainable development of the country in line with the ecological and economic

interests of society.

5. Everyone shall have the right to complete, objective, and timely information about environmental conditions.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 38

1. Citizens of Georgia shall be equal in their social, economic, cultural, and political lives irrespective of national, ethnic, religious, or language origin.

According to universally recognized principles and rules of international law, citizens of Georgia shall have the right to develop their culture freely, use

their mother tongue in private and in public, without any discrimination and interference whatsoever.

2. According to universally recognized principles and rules of international law, minority rights shall be exercised so as not to contradict the

sovereignty, state system, territorial integrity, and political independence of Georgia.

 

Article 39

The Constitution of Georgia shall not deny other universally recognized rights, freedoms, and guarantees of an individual and a citizen that are not

expressly referred to herein but stem inherently from the principles of the Constitution.

 

Article 40

1. An individual shall be presumed innocent until proved guilty as prescribed by law and by an enacted verdict of guilty.

2. No one shall be obliged to prove his/her innocence. Burden of proof shall rest with the prosecutor.

3. An order committing an accused for trial, bill of indictment, and verdict of guilty shall be based only on incontrovertible evidence. Any suspicion that

cannot be proved as prescribed by law shall be solved in favour of the accused.

 

Article 41

1. Every citizen of Georgia shall have the right of access to information as prescribed by law, as well as to official documents about him/her stored in

state institutions, unless they contain state, professional, or commercial secrets.

2. Information contained in official records pertaining to health, finances, or other private matters of an individual shall not be made available to anyone

without the prior consent of the individual in question, except as determined by law, when doing so is necessary to safeguard state security or public

safety, or the health, rights, and freedoms of others.

 

Article 42

1. Everyone shall have the right to apply to the court for protection of his/her rights and freedoms.

2. Everyone shall be tried only by the court that has jurisdiction over the particular case.

3. The right to a defense shall be guaranteed.

4. No one shall be tried twice for the same offence.

5. No one shall be held responsible for an action that did not constitute an offence at the time it was committed. No law shall have retroactive force

unless it reduces or abrogates responsibility.

6. An accused shall have the right to obtain attendance and examination of witnesses on his/her behalf under the same conditions as the prosecution

witnesses.

7. Evidence obtained unlawfully shall have no legal force.

8. No one shall be obliged to testify against themselves or against their familiars that are determined by law.

9. Any person who has illegally sustained damage inflicted by the State, Autonomous Republics, or self-government bodies and officials shall be

guaranteed by the court to receive full compensation accordingly from the funds of the State, Autonomous Republic, and local self-government.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 43

1. Supervision over protection of human rights and freedoms within the territory of Georgia shall be exercised by the Public Defender of Georgia who

shall be elected for a five-year term by a majority of the total number of members of the Parliament (hereinafter the MPs) of Georgia.

2. The Public Defender shall have the right to reveal facts of violation of human rights and freedoms and inform corresponding bodies and officials

thereof. Impediments to the activities of the Public Defender shall be punishable by law.

3. Organic law shall determine the powers of the Public Defender.

 

 

Article 44

1. Everyone who lives in Georgia shall be obliged to observe the Constitution and legislation of Georgia.

2. The exercise of human rights and freedoms shall not infringe upon the rights and freedoms of others.

 

Article 45

The fundamental human rights and freedoms laid down in the Constitution, considering the context thereof, shall apply to legal entities as well.

 

Article 46

1. The President of Georgia shall have the right to restrict the rights and freedoms laid down in Articles 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 30, 33, and 41 of the

Constitution either throughout the territory of Georgia or in any part thereof during a state of emergency or martial law. The President shall be obliged

to submit the decision to Parliament for approval not later than 48 hours.

2. If a state of emergency or martial law has been introduced throughout the country, any presidential, parliamentary, or other elections of

representative bodies of Georgia shall be held once the state of emergency or martial law is rescinded. If the state of emergency has been introduced in

any part of the country, a decision for holding elections in the rest of the country shall be made by the Parliament of Georgia.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3272 of 6 February 2004 – LHG I, No 2, 7.2.2004, Art. 5

 

Article 47

1. Foreign citizens and stateless persons living in Georgia shall have the rights and obligations equal to those of the citizens of Georgia except as

prescribed by the Constitution and law.

2. Georgia shall grant asylum to foreign citizens and stateless persons in accordance with universally recognized rules of international law, as prescribed

by law.

3. No asylum seeker shall be transferred to another state if he/she is persecuted for his/her political creed or an action not considered a crime under the

legislation of Georgia.

 

CHAPTER THREE

Parliament of Georgia

 

Article 48

The Parliament of Georgia shall be the supreme representative body of the country. It shall exercise legislative power, determine the main directions of

domestic and foreign policy, exercise control over Government activity within the realm of the Constitution, and perform other duties.

 

Article 481

1. The Parliament of Georgia shall reside in the city of Kutaisi.

2. Only during a state of emergency or martial law may the residency of the Parliament of Georgia be temporarily changed for the purpose of convening

meetings or sessions.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 1674 of 24 September 2009 – LHG I, No 29, 12.10.2009, Art. 157

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 4985 of 1 July 2011– website, 14.7.2011

 

Article 49

1. Before the conditions laid down in Article 4 of the Constitution of Georgia have been created, the Parliament of Georgia shall consist of 77 members

elected by a proportional voting system and 73 members elected by a majoritarian voting system. The MPs shall serve for a term of four years based on

universal, equal, and direct suffrage through secret ballot.

2. Any citizen who is twenty-one years old and has the right to vote may be elected as an MP.

3. The internal structure and work procedure of Parliament shall be determined by Parliamentary Rules.

4. Compared to the amount of budgetary funds allocated from the previous year, the current costs earmarked in the state budget for the Parliament of

Georgia may be reduced only by prior consent of Parliament. Parliament shall, at its sole discretion, make a decision on the distribution of budgetary

funds earmarked for Parliament in the state budget.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3272 of 6 February 2004 – LHG I, No 2, 7.2.2004, Art. 5

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 1010 of 23 February 2005 – LHG I, No 8, 10.3.2005, Art. 57

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 5853 of 12 March 2008 – LHG I, No 3, 13.3.2008, Art. 8

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 5630 of 27 December 2011– website, 9.1.2012

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 6238 of 22 May 2012– website, 29.5.2012

 

Article 50

1. A political association of citizens, registered in accordance with law, shall have the right to stand for elections if the initiative is supported by the

signatures of electors under an organic law or if it has a representative in Parliament at the time when elections are scheduled. The number of signatures

of electors determined by organic law shall not exceed 1% of the number of electors. The rules and conditions for participating in an election through

the majoritarian system shall be determined by electoral legislation.

2. MP mandates, as a result of an election held through the majoritarian system, shall be distributed only among political associations and electoral

blocks that have obtained at least 5% of votes from those participating in the elections. The election subjects who have obtained fewer seats than needed

for the creation of a parliamentary faction shall be given mandates, after the distribution of MP mandates, to fill seats based on the minimum amount

necessary to set up a faction in the manner prescribed by legislation of Georgia. The procedure for distribution of MP mandates, as a result of the

election through the majoritarian system, shall be determined by electoral legislation.

21. Regular parliamentary elections shall be held during the month of October in the year when Parliament’s term of office expires. The President of

Georgia shall fix the date of elections not later than 60 days before the elections.

3. If the date for holding elections coincides with a state of emergency or martial law, the elections shall be held not later than the 60th day after the

state of emergency has been lifted. The President of Georgia shall fix the date for elections upon lifting the state of emergency or martial law. In case of

the early dissolution of Parliament, extraordinary elections shall be held on the 60th day after the edict of dissolution for Parliament comes into force.

The date for extraordinary elections shall be fixed by the President of Georgia upon the enactment of the edict of dissolution for Parliament.

31. Parliament shall terminate its activity upon the enactment of a presidential edict for the dissolution of Parliament. During the period from the

enactment of the presidential edict for dissolution to the first meeting of the newly elected Parliament, the dissolved Parliament shall convene only to

make a decision on approval and/or extension of a state of emergency or martial law, but only if President has declared a state of emergency or martial

law. Unless Parliament convenes within five days or approves (extends) the presidential edict for a declaration (extension) of a state of emergency, the

declared state of emergency shall be canceled. Martial law shall be canceled if Parliament does not approve the presidential edict for a declaration

(extension) of martial law within 48 hours after it has convened. Convening Parliament shall not lead to the restoration of parliamentary posts and

salaries of MPs. Parliament shall cease its activities upon making decisions on these issues.

4. The powers of Parliament shall cease immediately at the first meeting of the newly elected Parliament.

5. The Constitution and organic law shall define the procedure for an MP election, as well as shall determine his/her eligibility to stand for an election.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 2221 of 20 July 1999 – LHG I, No 35(42), 28.7.1999, Art. 169

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3272 of 6 February 2004- LHG I, No 2, 7.2.2004, Art. 5

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 4133 of 27 December 2006- LHG I, No 3, 11.1.2007, Art. 44

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 5853 of 12 March 2008- LHG I, No 3, 13.3.2008, Art. 8

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 5630 of 27 December 2011– website, 9.1.2012

 

Article 51

The first meeting of the newly elected Parliament of Georgia shall be held within 20 days after the elections. The President of Georgia shall fix the day

for the first meeting. Parliament shall begin its work when the powers of at least two thirds of the MPs have been confirmed.

 

Article 511

The President of Georgia may dissolve Parliament only in cases determined by the Constitution, except as follows:

a) within six months after holding parliamentary elections unless Parliament is dissolved on the basis of Article 80 of the Constitution

b) while Parliament exercises the powers set forth in Article 63 of the Constitution

c) during a state of emergency or martial law

d) within the last six months of the tenure of the President of Georgia unless he/she is dismissed on the basis of Article 80 of the Constitution.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3272 of 6 February 2004 – LHG I, No 2, 7.2.2004, Art. 5

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 496 of 25 March 2013 – website, 27.3.2013

 

Article 52

1. An MP shall be the representative of all Georgia. He/she shall enjoy free mandate and cannot be recalled.

2. Arrest or detention of an MP, search of his/her place of residence, vehicle, workplace, or any personal search shall be permissible only by consent of

Parliament, except when the MP is caught at the scene of crime, in which case Parliament shall be notified immediately. Unless Parliament gives its

consent, the arrested or detained MP shall be released immediately.

3. MPs shall have the right not to testify about facts disclosed to them as an MP. Written materials associated with any parliamentary matter shall not be

seized. MPs shall reserve these rights even after the expiration of their term of office.

4. MPs shall not be prosecuted for their ideas and opinions expressed inside or outside Parliament while performing their duties.

5. MPs shall be guaranteed unhindered exercise of their powers. State bodies shall ensure personal safety of MPs based on their application.

6. Impeding deputies to exercise their powers shall be punishable by law.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 6 of 23 April 2004 – LHG I, No 9, 3.5.2004, Art. 39

 

Article 53

1. An MP shall not hold state service or engage in entrepreneurial activity. Law shall determine conflict of interests.

2. An MP shall cease to hold office if he/she violates any requirement under the preceding paragraphs.

3. MPs shall receive a salary as provided for by law.

 

Article 54

1. The recognition or early termination of office of an MP shall be settled by Parliament. The decision of Parliament may be appealed to the

Constitutional Court.

2. The office of an MP shall be terminated early provided that:

a) the MP resigns by personal application;

b) a verdict of guilty is enacted against the MP;

c) the court recognizes the MP as incapable, missing, or dead;

d) the MP holds a position or engages in an activity incompatible with the status of an MP;

e) the MP loses citizenship of Georgia;

f) the MP fails to participate in the work of Parliament for a period of four months without good reason;

g) the MP dies.

 

Article 55

1. The Parliament of Georgia, in the manner provided for by Parliamentary Rules, for the term of its authority and by secret ballot, shall elect a

chairperson and deputy chairpersons. This shall include one deputy chairperson, among and upon the nomination of the MPs from the Autonomous

Republic of Abkhazia, and one from the Autonomous Republic of Ajara.

2. The chairperson of Parliament shall preside over parliamentary meetings, guarantee free expression of opinions, sign acts passed by Parliament, and

perform other duties envisaged by Parliamentary Rules.

3. The deputy chairpersons of Parliament shall perform the duties of the chairperson on his/her behalf in case of the chairperson’s disability or removal

from office.

4. The chairperson of Parliament shall perform all administrative duties in the House of Parliament as prescribed by Parliamentary Rules.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 260 of 20 April 2000 – LHG I, No 15, 25.4.2000, Art. 36

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 1689 of 10 October 2002 – LHG I, No 28, 28.10.2002, Art. 128

 

Article 56

1. Committees shall be set up in Parliament for the term of its authority. The committees shall prepare legislative issues in advance, facilitate

implementing decisions, and exercise control over activities of the entities accountable to Parliament and of the Government.

2. Investigative or other interim commissions shall be established in Parliament in cases envisaged by the Constitution and Parliamentary Rules, as well

as if requested by at least one fifth of MPs. Parliament shall decide to establish an interim commission in accordance with Parliamentary Rules. The

parliamentary majority in an interim commission shall not represent more than half of the total number of members of the commission.

3. At the request of an investigative commission, everyone shall be required to come to the meetings and submit all documents required for examination

of issues.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 57

1. Parliament shall establish a Parliamentary Bureau to organize the work of Parliament. Members the Parliamentary Bureau shall consist of the

chairperson and deputy chairpersons of the Parliament of Georgia, and the chairpersons of parliamentary committees and parliamentary factions.

2. (Deleted – 15.10.2010, No 3710).

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 58

1. MPs may join a parliamentary faction. The number of the members in a parliamentary faction shall not be less than 6.

2. Parliamentary Rules and law shall determine the powers of and the procedure for the establishment and operation of a parliamentary faction.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 1010 of 23 February 2005 – LHG I, No 8, 10.3.2005, Art. 57

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 343 of 10 October 2008 – LHG I, No 25, 23.10.2008, Art. 164

 

Article 59

1. An MP shall have the right to pose questions to and get answers from the bodies accountable to Parliament as well as pose questions to and get

answers from the Government, Government members, heads of executive bodies of territorial units at any level, state institutions.

2. A parliamentary faction consisting of at least 10 MPs shall have the right to pose questions to the bodies accountable to Parliament, the Government,

and particular members of the Government whose obligation is to answer questions at the meeting of Parliament. The answer may become the subject

of discussion by Parliament.

3. Parliament shall have the right to bring the Prime Minister’s attention, by an absolute majority of MPs, to the official responsibilities of specific

members of the Government.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3272 of 6 February 2004 – LHG I, No 2, 7.2.2004, Art. 5

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 60

1. Meetings of Parliament shall be public. By decision of the majority of MPs present, Parliament may declare a hearing or a part thereof closed while

discussing particular issues.

2. Any member of the Government, an official elected, appointed, or approved by Parliament, shall have the right and may be required to attend the

Parliament, committee, or commission meetings, answer the questions raised at the meetings and present a report of activities performed. Parliament,

committee, or commission shall hear the officials immediately upon request.

3. Voting at a plenary session of Parliament shall be open or secret. Voting shall be open except as prescribed by the Constitution and law.

4. Records of open plenary meetings of the Parliament shall be public.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3272 of 6 February 2004 – LHG I, No 2, 7.2.2004, Art. 5

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 61

1. The Parliament of Georgia shall assemble in its official capacity for a regular session twice a year. The autumn session shall open on the first Tuesday

of September and close on the third Friday of December, and spring session shall open on the first Tuesday of February and close on the last Friday of

June.

2. The President of Georgia shall convene a special session of Parliament at the request of the Chairperson of Parliament, or that of not less than one

fourth of MPs, or at the suggestion of the Government during the period between regular sessions. In the course of a regular session, the President shall

convene a special meeting under the same procedure. Unless an act of summoning Parliament is issued within 48 hours after a written request,

Parliament shall assemble within the following 48 hours in accordance with Parliamentary Rules.

3. A special meeting of Parliament shall be held only with a defined agenda and shall close once the agenda has been completed.

4. Parliament shall assemble within 48 hours after President declares a state of emergency or martial law. Parliament shall work until the end of the

state of emergency or martial law.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 62

Parliament’s decision on issues of war and peace, state of emergency, or martial law as well as the issues laid down in Article 46 of the Constitution, shall

be adopted by a majority of the total number of MPs.

 

Article 63

1. In cases prescribed by Article 75(2) of the Constitution, Parliament acting with at least one third of the total number of MPs shall have the right to

raise a question to remove the President of Georgia from office via the impeachment process. The issue shall be referred to the Constitutional Court of

Georgia for decision.

2. If the Constitutional Court by its decision confirms the components of a crime in the actions of the President or confirms that the President has

violated the Constitution by his/her actions, after reviewing the Court’s decision, Parliament shall consider and vote for the removal of President from

office via the impeachment process within not later than 15 days after the Court decision has been submitted.

3. The President shall be deemed removed from office via the impeachment process if at least two thirds of the total number of MPs supports the

decision.

4. Unless Parliament makes a resolution with respect to the removal of the President from office via the impeachment process within the term set out in

the second paragraph of this article, the impeachment procedure for the same issue shall not be initiated.

5. No impeachment procedure shall be implemented during war, state of emergency, or martial law. Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 64

1. At least one third of the total number of MPs shall have the right to raise the question of removing the chairperson of the Supreme Court, members of

the Government, auditor general of the State Audit Service and members of the Council of National Bank from office via the impeachment process if

they have violated the Constitution and/or committed an offence.

2. After having received the decision in the manner prescribed by Article 63(2), Parliament shall have the right to remove the officials laid down in the

first paragraph of this article by a majority of the total number of MPs. Article 63(4) shall also apply to such cases.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 344 of 10 October 2008 – LHG I, No 27, 27.10.2008, Art. 168

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 6239 of 22 May 2012– website, 29.5.2012

 

Article 65

1. The Parliament of Georgia, acting by a majority of its members, shall ratify, denounce, and annul international treaties and agreements.

11. The Government of Georgia shall apply to the Parliament of Georgia for ratification, denunciation, and annulment of international treaties and

agreements. In cases provided for by paragraph 2(a – c) of this article, and also if the agreement (treaty) is signed by the President of Georgia, the

President of Georgia shall apply to the Parliament of Georgia for ratification, denunciation, and annulment of international treaties and agreements that

requires a countersignature by the Prime Minister.

2. Beside international treaties and agreements requiring ratification, it shall also be obligatory to ratify an international treaty and agreement which:

a) envisages Georgia joining an international organization or interstate alliance;

b) is of a military nature;

c) concerns the territorial integrity or change of the state borders;

d) concerns the borrowing or lending of money by the State;

e) requires change of domestic legislation or adoption of laws and statutory acts necessary for the fulfillment of international obligations undertaken.

3. Parliament shall be notified of the conclusion of other international treaties and agreements.

4. If a constitutional claim or a submission has been lodged with the Constitutional Court, the respective international treaty or agreement shall not be

ratified until the Constitutional Court makes its decision.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 66

1. A draft law or a resolution shall be deemed adopted in Parliament if supported by a majority of the MPs present but at least by one third of the total

number of MPs unless the Constitution determines another procedure for passing draft laws and resolutions.

11. A constitutional agreement shall be deemed approved if supported by not less than three fifths of the total number of MPs.

2. A draft organic law shall be deemed adopted if supported by more than half of the full list of MPs.

3. Parliament’s approval shall be given in the form of a resolution unless otherwise prescribed by the Constitution.

4. Parliamentary Rules shall lay down the procedure for adopting other decisions.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 826 of 30 March 2001 – LHG I, No 9, 10.4.2001, Art. 33

 

Article 67

1. The right of legislative initiative shall be granted to the Government, MPs, parliamentary factions, parliamentary committees, supreme representative

bodies of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, the Autonomous Republic of Ajara, and not less than 30,000 voters.

2. Parliament shall give priority to consider the draft law submitted by the Government of Georgia upon request.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 260 of 20 April 2000 – LHG I, No 15, 25.4.2000, Art. 36

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 1689 of 10 October 2002 – LHG I, No 28, 28.10.2002, Art. 128

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3272 of 6 February 2004 – LHG I, No 2, 7.2.2004, Art. 5

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 68

1. A draft law passed by Parliament shall be submitted to the President of Georgia within seven days.

2. The President shall sign and promulgate the law within 10 days or return it to Parliament with justified comments.

3. If the President returns the draft law to Parliament, the latter shall put the President’s comments to a vote. For the adoption of the comments, the

same number of votes shall suffice as determined by Article 66 of the Constitution. If the comments are adopted, the final version of the draft law shall

be submitted to the President to sign and promulgate within seven days.

4. If Parliament rejects the President’s comments, the initial version of the draft law shall be put to a vote. A draft law shall be deemed adopted if it is

supported by a majority of the full list of MPs. A draft organic law shall be deemed adopted if it is supported by a majority of the total number of MPs. A

constitutional draft law shall be deemed adopted if it is supported by at least three fourths of the total number of MPs.

5. If President fails to promulgate a law within the specified timeframe, the Chairperson of Parliament shall sign and promulgate it.

6. A law shall enter into force on the 15th day from its official promulgation unless another date is defined.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3272 of 6 February 2004 – LHG I, No 2, 7.2.2004, Art. 5

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 5630 of 27 December 2011– website, 9.1.2012

 

 

CHAPTER FOUR

The President of Georgia

 

Article 69

1. The President of Georgia shall be the Head of the State of Georgia, the guarantor of national independence and unity of the country. The President of

Georgia shall ensure the functioning of state bodies within his/her powers granted by the Constitution.

2. The President of Georgia shall be the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Georgia.

3. The President of Georgia shall represent Georgia on foreign relations.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3272 of 6 February 2004 – LHG I, No 2, 7.2.2004, Art. 5

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 70

1. The President of Georgia shall be elected through universal, equal, and direct suffrage by secret ballot for a term of five years. The same person may

serve as a president only for two consecutive terms.

2. Any citizen of Georgia who is eligible to vote may be elected as the President of Georgia if he/she is thirty-five years old, has lived in Georgia for at

least five years, and has been living in Georgia for the last three years prior to the election.

3. The right to nominate a candidate for the Presidency shall be vested with a political association of citizens or an initiative group. The nomination

shall be supported by the signatures of voters as prescribed by organic law of Georgia. The number of signatures of voters set forth in organic law shall

not exceed 1% of the total number of voters.

4. A candidate having received more than half of the votes of those taking part in elections shall be deemed elected.

5. If no candidate has received the required number of votes in the first round, a second round of elections shall be held within two weeks after official

announcement of the first round results.

6. The second round of elections shall be held between 2 candidates with the best results in the first round. Candidate having received a majority of

votes shall be deemed elected.

7. If only one candidate takes part in the first round and does not receive the necessary number of votes, new elections shall be held within two months

from the date of elections.

8. No election shall be held during a state of emergency or martial law.

9. Regular presidential elections shall be held in the month of October of a calendar year when the President’s powers expire. The President of Georgia

shall fix the date of elections not later than 60 days before the elections.

10. (Deleted – 15.10.2010, No 3710).

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 2224 of 20 July 1999 – LHG I, No 35(42), 28.7.1999, Art. 170

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3272 of 6 February 2004 – LHG I, No 2, 7.2.2004, Art. 5

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 4133 of 27 December 2006 – LHG I, No 3, 11.1.2007, Art. 44

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 5853 of 12 March 2008 – LHG I, No 3, 13.3.2008, Art. 8

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 71

1. Before assuming office, the newly elected President shall make a speech and take the following oath of office:

‘I, the President of Georgia, do solemnly affirm before God and the nation that I will support and defend the Constitution of Georgia, the independence,

unity, and indivisibility of the country; that I will faithfully perform the duties of the President, will care for the security and welfare of the citizens of

my country as well as for the revival and might of my nation and homeland’.

2. The ceremony laid down in the first paragraph of this article shall take place on the third Sunday after the day of holding presidential elections. The

office of President shall terminate upon the inauguration of the newly elected President.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

 

Article 72

The President of Georgia may neither hold any other position, including in a political party, nor conduct entrepreneurial activities and get a salary or

other permanent remuneration for any other activity.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3272 of 6 February 2004 – LHG I, No 2, 7.2.2004, Art. 5

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 73

1. The President of Georgia shall:

a) conduct negotiations with other countries and international organizations in agreement with the Government, conclude international agreements

and treaties, appoint and dismiss ambassadors and other diplomatic representatives of Georgia at the suggestion of the Government, accredit

ambassadors and other diplomatic representatives of foreign states and international organizations in agreement with the Government;

b) conclude a constitutional agreement with the Apostolic Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Georgia on behalf of the State of Georgia;

c) nominate a candidate for the office of Prime Minister and appoint a Prime Minister in accordance with the Constitution;

d) assign the acting Government to perform their official duties until the appointment of the new Government in accordance with the Constitution;

e) nominate before Parliament, appoint, release, and dismiss officials in accordance with the Constitution, appoint a member of the High Council of

Justice as prescribed by law, participate in the appointment of the Chairperson and members of the Central Election Commission in the manner and in

the cases prescribed by organic law, nominate candidates for the members of the National Regulatory Authorities in agreement with the Government;

f) nominate a candidate for the Chairperson of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara for approval by the Supreme Council within 10

days after the recognition of powers of the newly elected Supreme Council of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara, after having consulted with the

political entities represented in the Supreme Council, by prior consent of the Government of Georgia;

g) declare martial law in the case of armed attack on Georgia, conclude a truce in case of appropriate conditions, and submit such decisions to Parliament

for approval within not later than 48 hours;

h) declare a state of emergency throughout the country or a certain part thereof in cases of war or mass disorder, infringement upon the territorial

integrity of the country, coup d’etat and armed insurrection, ecological disasters and outbreak of epidemics, or in other cases, when state bodies are

unable to normally exercise their Constitutional powers, and submit this decision to Parliament for approval within 48 hours; emergency powers shall

apply only to the territory where the state of emergency is declared for the reasons mentioned in this paragraph;

i) issue decrees having the force of law during a state of emergency or martial law that shall be valid until the end of the state of emergency or martial

law, take emergency measures; the decrees shall be submitted to Parliament when it is assembled;

j) have the right to suspend, at the suggestion of the Government and with the consent of Parliament, the activity of self-government bodies or other

representative institutions of territorial units or dismiss them if their activities jeopardize the sovereignty, territorial integrity of the country, or the

exercise of constitutional powers by state bodies;

k) issue decrees, edicts, and ordinances, as well as orders as the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Georgia, on the basis of the

Constitution and law;

l) sign and promulgate laws as prescribed by the Constitution;

m) make decisions on granting citizenship, asylum;

n) give state awards, high military, special and honorary titles, and high diplomatic ranks;

o) grant pardons to convicts;

p) dissolve Parliament in cases and as prescribed by the Constitution;

2. The President of Georgia shall schedule the date of elections for the President of Georgia, Parliament, and representative bodies as prescribed by the

Constitution and law.

3. The President of Georgia shall appoint members of the National Security Council as well as appoint and dismiss, in agreement with the Government,

the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Georgia and other commanders.

4. The President of Georgia shall have the right to address the people and Parliament. The President shall annually submit a report of crucial staterelated

issues to Parliament.

5. The President of Georgia shall exercise other powers laid down in the Constitution and law.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 826 of 30 March 2001 – LHG I, No 9, 10.4.2001, Art. 33

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3272 of 6 February 2004 – LHG I, No 2, 7.2.2004, Art. 5

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 2494 of 23 December 2005 – LHG I, No 1, 4.1.2006, Art. 1

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 4133 of 27 December 2006 – LHG I, No 3, 11.1.2007, Art. 44

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 4136 of 27 December 2006 – LHG I, No 3, 11.1.2007, Art. 47

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 344 of 10 October 2008 – LHG I, No 27, 27.10.2008, Art. 168

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 496 of 25 March 2013 – website, 27.3.2013

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 731

1. The Prime Minister shall countersign legal acts of the President of Georgia, other than the acts issued during martial law and except as laid down in

paragraphs 2-4 of this article.

2. Order of the President shall not require countersignature except as directly provided for by the Constitution.

3. Countersignature shall not be required for the legal acts of the President of Georgia that, under the Constitution, have been promulgated at the

suggestion of the Government or that have been preliminarily approved by the Government.

4. Countersignature shall not be required for the legal acts of the President of Georgia that relate to:

a) scheduling of elections and dissolution of Parliament on the basis of Article 80 of the Constitution, convocation of first meeting of the newly elected

Parliament as well as of a special meeting or session of Parliament

b) signing and promulgation of laws as well as return of a draft law with comments to Parliament

c) nomination, appointment, and dismissal of officials prescribed by the Constitution unless otherwise provided for by the Constitution

d) appealing to the court or the Constitutional Court

e) nomination of a candidate for Prime Minister and appointment of the Prime Minister

f) imposition of temporary obligations on the Government under Article 80(1) of the Constitution

g) granting of state awards and special ranks

h) granting and termination of citizenship

i) claiming for discussion of an issue at the meeting of the Government as prescribed by Article 78(6)

j) activities of the Administration of President and the National Security Council

k) declaration or revocation of martial law

l) granting pardons to convicts.

5. Any legal act of the President that requires countersigning shall be promulgated and shall give rise to legal consequences only in case of

countersignature.

6. In case of countersignature, the responsibility for legal acts shall rest with the Government.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 74

1. The President of Georgia shall have the right to appoint a referendum for issues laid down in the Constitution and law, at the request of the

Parliament of Georgia, the Government of Georgia, not less than 200 000 voters, within the period of 30 days after receiving such a request.

2. A referendum shall not be held in order to adopt or repeal a law, to grant amnesty or pardon, to ratify or denounce international treaties and

agreements, and for issues restricting the basic constitutional rights and freedoms of individuals.

3. Issues related to the scheduling and holding a referendum shall be laid down in organic law.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 75

1. The President of Georgia shall enjoy personal immunity. No one shall have the right to arrest or bring criminal proceeding against the President of

Georgia while holding the post.

2. Parliament may dismiss the President in accordance with Article 63 of the Constitution and law if he/she violates the Constitution or his/her actions

are criminal.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 76

1. If the President of Georgia is unable to discharge his/her powers or his/her powers are terminated early, the Chairperson of the Parliament of Georgia

shall perform the duties of the President of Georgia. If the Chairperson of the Parliament of Georgia is unable to discharge the duties of the President of

Georgia or if Parliament has been dissolved, the Prime Minister shall perform the duties of the President of Georgia. While the Chairperson of the

Parliament of Georgia is discharging the duties of the President of Georgia, one of the Deputy Chairpersons of the Parliament of Georgia shall perform

the duties of the Chairperson of the Parliament of Georgia by order of the Chairperson of the Parliament of Georgia. While the Prime Minister is

discharging the duties of the President of Georgia, a member of the Government equipped with powers of First Vice-Prime Minister shall discharge the

duties of the Prime Minister.

2. The Acting President shall not be authorized to exercise the rights laid down Article 73(1)(j)(p) and the rights laid down in Article 74(1).

3. Presidential elections shall be held within 45 days upon the termination of the President’s term of office. Parliament shall ensure that the elections are

held.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3272 of 6 February 2004 – LHG I, No 2, 7.2.2004, Art. 5

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 5833 of 11 March 2008 – LHG I, No 3, 13.3.2008, Art. 7

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

Article 761

(Deleted)

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3272 of 6 February 2004 – LHG I, No 2, 7.2.2004, Art. 5

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 344 of 10 October 2008 – LHG I, No 27, 27.10.2008, Art. 168

 

Article 77

Administration of the President of Georgia shall be established in order to promote the exercise of powers by the President of Georgia. The President of

Georgia shall appoint and dismiss the Head of the Administration. The President of Georgia shall determine the structure and work procedure of the

Administration.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3272 of 6 February 2004 – LHG I, No 2, 7.2.2004, Art. 5

 

CHAPTER FOUR1

Government of Georgia

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3272 of 6 February 2004 – LHG I, No 2, 7.2.2004, Art. 5

 

Article 78

1. The Government of Georgia shall be the supreme body of executive power to implement the internal and foreign policy of the country. The

Government shall be accountable to the Parliament of Georgia.

2. The Government shall consist of a Prime Minister and ministers. One or several State Ministers may also be represented in the composition of the

Government.

3. The Prime Minister shall have the right to assign one of the members of the Government to exercise the duties of the first Vice-Premier and to assign

one or more members to exercise the duties of the Vice-Premier. The procedure for assigning responsibilities of the first Vice-Premier and the VicePremier

and their powers shall be laid down in law.

4. The Prime Minister and ministers shall represent Georgia on foreign relations within their competence.

5. The Government shall adopt ordinances and decrees on the basis of and for the fulfillment of the Constitution and other legislative acts. The

ordinances and decrees shall be signed by the Prime Minister.

6. The President of Georgia shall have the right to claim the particular matters to be discussed at the Government meeting and participate in the

discussion. The Secretary and other members of the National Security Council shall also attend the discussion.

7. The structure, powers, and work procedure of the Government shall be provided for by law. The Government shall submit a draft of the law to the

Parliament of Georgia.

8. The Government’s term of office shall commence in cases prescribed by the Constitution and upon the appointment of the members of the

Government in the manner prescribed.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3272 of 6 February 2004 – LHG I, No 2, 7.2.2004, Art. 5

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 5833 of 11 March 2008 – LHG I, No 3, 13.3.2008, Art. 7

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 79

1. The Prime Minister shall be the head of the Government.

2. The Prime Minister shall determine the directions of Government activity, organize Government activity, provide the coordination of and the control

over the activity of Government members.

3. The Prime Minister shall present a report to Parliament, upon request, about the progress of the Government Program.

4. The Prime Minister shall issue individual legal acts – orders, and exercise full administrative duties in the Government building within the scope of

his/her competence.

5. The Prime Minister shall appoint and remove from office other members of the Government.

6. The Prime Minister shall appoint and remove from office other officials in the manner and to the extent as provided for by law.

7. If the Prime Minister resigns or his/her term of office otherwise ceases, the term of office of other Government members shall also cease. If any other

Government member resigns or is removed from office, the Prime Minister shall appoint a new member of the Government within two weeks.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3272 of 6 February 2004 – LHG I, No 2, 7.2.2004, Art. 5

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 80

1. Once the newly elected Parliament is approved, the Government shall be deemed dismissed, and the President of Georgia shall impose duties on the

Government until a new composition of the Government is formed.

2. The President of Georgia shall, within seven days after the revocation of the Government’s authority, nominate a candidate for Prime Minister

proposed by the election subject that has obtained the best results in Parliamentary elections.

3. Any candidate for Prime Minister shall, within seven days, nominate candidates for Ministers and propose a composition of the Government to the

Parliament of Georgia to gain a vote of confidence. A Government Program shall be proposed together with a composition of the Government.

4. The Parliament of Georgia shall, within seven days after a composition of the Government has been proposed, consider and put the confidence in the

Government and the Government Program to a vote. The confidence of Parliament shall be gained by a majority of the full list of MPs.

5. If a composition of the Government has not gained a vote of confidence, the issue of passing a vote of confidence in the composition proposed initially

or in a new composition of the Government shall be put to a vote within 30 days after a composition of the Government has been proposed to the

Parliament.

6. If a candidate for Prime Minister is not proposed or Parliament does not pass a vote of confidence in the composition of the Government in

accordance with and within the term provided for by paragraph 5 of this article, the President shall, within seven days, nominate a candidate for Prime

Minister proposed by at least two fifths of the full list of MPs. If different compositions of MPs nominate 2 candidates, the President shall nominate the

candidate proposed by a majority of MPs. If candidates are nominated by equal number of MPs, the President shall nominate one of the candidates

proposed.

7. In the case provided for by paragraph 6 of this article, the Government members shall be selected and a vote of confidence shall be given in a

composition of the Government according to paragraphs 3 and 4 of this article. If Parliament fails to give a vote of confidence in a composition of the

Government, the President of Georgia shall, within three days, dissolve Parliament and schedule extraordinary elections.

8. The President of Georgia shall, within two days after giving a vote of confidence in a composition of Government, appoint the Prime Minister. The

Prime Minister shall, within two days, appoint the other members of the Government. Unless the President issues a legal act on the appointment of the

Prime Minister within the defined term, the Prime Minister shall be deemed appointed.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3272 of 6 February 2004 – LHG I, No 2, 7.2.2004, Art. 5

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 496 of 25 March 2013 – website, 27.3.2013

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 801

1. If the Government ceases to exercise its authority, the President of Georgia shall, within seven days, nominate a candidate for Prime Minister

proposed by the Parliamentary majority, and unless such a majority is formed, a candidate proposed by the parliamentary faction, where the most

members of the Parliament are represented, shall be nominated.

2. The Government members shall be selected and a vote of confidence shall be given in a composition of the Government in accordance with

paragraphs 3-8 of Article 80 of the Constitution of Georgia.

3. In the circumstances defined in the first paragraph of this article, the President of Georgia shall impose duties on the same composition of the

Government until a new Government is formed.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 81

1. Parliament shall have the right to give a vote of no confidence in the Government. Not less than two fifths of the full list of MPs shall have the right

to call for a vote of no confidence. A vote of no confidence shall be called for within not earlier than 20 and not later than 25 days. A vote of no

confidence shall be deemed called for if the decision is supported by a majority of the full list of MPs. Unless Parliament adopts a decision on calling for

a vote of no confidence, the same MPs may not apply to Parliament for calling for a vote of no confidence within six months upon holding a vote.

2. Parliament shall, not earlier than 20 days and not later than 25 days after calling for a vote of no confidence, vote for the nomination of the candidate

for Prime Minister proposed by at least two fifths of the full list of MPs to the President. If 2 candidates are nominated under this paragraph, both of

them shall be put to a vote. A candidate for Prime Minister shall be presented to the President if a majority of the full list of MPs has voted for him/her.

Failure to put up a candidate for Prime Minister as prescribed by this paragraph shall mean the termination of the procedure for giving a vote of no

confidence.

3. The President shall have the right to put up a nominated candidate for Prime Minister or refuse to put up the same candidate within five days after

the nomination thereof. If the President puts up the candidate nominated by Parliament, a vote of confidence shall be given in a new composition of the

Government as prescribed by Article 80(3) and (4) of the Constitution.

4. If the President refuses to put up a candidate for Prime Minister proposed by Parliament in the case provided for by the third paragraph of this article,

Parliament shall have the right to vote for the nomination of the same candidate for Prime Minister to the President within not earlier than 15 and not

later than 20 days after the nomination. If nomination is supported by three fifths of the total number of MPs, the President shall be obliged to put up,

within three days, the candidate for Prime Minister proposed to him. A vote of confidence shall be given to a new composition of the Government as

prescribed by Article 80(3) and (4).

5. Giving Parliament’s vote of confidence in a new composition of the Government as prescribed by paragraphs 3 or 4 of this article shall be deemed as

giving a vote of no confidence in the Government. This shall lead to the termination of term of office of the Government. A new Prime Minister and

members of the Government shall be appointed as prescribed by Article 80(8).

6. If Parliament gives a vote of no confidence in a new composition of the Government as prescribed by paragraphs 3 or 4 of this article, the President

shall have the right to dissolve Parliament and schedule extraordinary elections within three days.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3272 of 6 February 2004 – LHG I, No 2, 7.2.2004, Art. 5

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 811

1. After Parliament gives a vote of confidence in the Government and the Government Program, if the initial composition of the Government is

renewed by one third but not less than 5 members of the Government, the President of Georgia shall present a composition of the Government to

Parliament for giving a vote of confidence within one week.

2. Parliament shall give a vote of confidence in a composition of the Government as prescribed by Article 80 of the Constitution.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3272 of 6 February 2004 – LHG I, No 2, 7.2.2004, Art. 5

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 1456 of 4 October 2013 – website, 16.10.2013

 

Article 812

1. Ministries shall be established in order to ensure the implementation of state governance and state policy in specific areas of state and public life.

2. A ministry shall be headed by a minister who adopts decisions independently on the matters falling within his/her competence. A minister shall issue

orders on the basis and for the fulfillment of law, a normative act of the President, or a resolution of the Government.

3. The State Minister shall be appointed as prescribed by the Constitution in order to fulfill state objectives of particular importance.

4. A member of the Government shall have no right to hold any other office except in a party, establish a company, engage in entrepreneurial activity,

or receive a salary from any other activity except from scientific, pedagogical, and creative work.

5. A member of the Government shall be authorized to resign.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3272 of 6 February 2004 – LHG I, No 2, 7.2.2004, Art. 5

 

Article 813

1. Executive authority in the administrative-territorial units of Georgia shall be represented by Government Agents – Governors.

2. Law shall define the powers of a Government Agent – Governor.

3. The Government shall appoint and dismiss a Government Agent – Governor.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 5833 of 11 March 2008 – LHG I, No 3, 13.3.2008, Art. 7

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 814

Bodies of the Prosecutor’s Office are under the system of the Ministry of Justice and the Minister of Justice shall provide general management for their operations. Law shall define the powers and activities of the Prosecutor’s Office.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 344 of 10 October 2008 – LHG I, No 27, 27.10.2008, Art. 168

 

CHAPTER FIVE

Judicial Authority

 

Article 82

1. Judicial power shall be exercised through constitutional control, justice, and other forms prescribed by law.

2. Judicial acts shall be binding upon all state bodies and persons throughout the territory of the country.

3. Judicial authority shall be independent and be exercised exclusively by the courts.

4. A court shall award a judgment on behalf of Georgia.

5. Cases in the courts of general jurisdiction shall be heard by a jury in cases and as prescribed by law.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3272 of 6 February 2004 – LHG I, No 2, 7.2.2004, Art. 5

 

Article 83

1. The Constitutional Court of Georgia shall be a judicial body of constitutional control. Its powers, the procedure for its creation and activity shall be

laid down in the Constitution and organic law.

2. Justice shall be administered by the courts of general jurisdiction. Their system shall be prescribed in organic law.

3. Military courts may be established under martial law and exclusively within the framework of the courts of general jurisdiction.

4. Establishment of either extraordinary or special courts shall be inadmissible.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 4133 of 27 December 2006 – LHG I, No 3, 11.1.2007, Art. 44

 

Article 84

1. A judge shall be independent in his/her activity and comply with the Constitution and law only. Any pressure upon the judge or any interference in

his/her activity in order to influence his/her decision-making shall be prohibited and punishable by law.

2. A judge may be removed from consideration of a case or from office early or may be moved to another position only in cases provided for by law.

3. No one shall have the right to claim a report of any particular case from a judge.

4. All acts restricting the independence of any judge shall be null and void.

5. Only a court may quash, change, or suspend a court decision as prescribed by law.

 

Article 85

1. A court shall consider a case at an open hearing. Consideration of cases at a closed hearing shall be permitted only in cases provided for by law. A

court decision shall be published.

2. Legal proceedings shall be conducted in the state language. An individual not having a command of the state language shall be provided with an

interpreter. Teaching of the state language and solution of the issues related to legal proceedings shall be guaranteed in the regions where the population

does not have a command of the state language.

3. Legal proceedings shall be conducted on the basis of equality and competition of parties.

 

Article 86

1. A judge shall be a citizen of Georgia who is thirty years old and over, and who has relevant higher legal education with at least a five-year experience

in the practice of law.

2. Judges shall be appointed for life unless they reach the age prescribed by law. Before the lifetime appointment of a judge, the law may envisage the

appointment of a judge for a definite period but not more than three years. The selection, appointment, or dismissal procedure for judges shall be laid

down in organic law.

3. The position of a judge shall be incompatible with any other occupation and remunerative activity, except for pedagogical and scientific activities. A

judge may not be a member of a political party or participate in a political activity.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 2496 of 27 December 2005 – LHG I, No 1, 4.1.2006, Art. 2

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 861

1. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be established in order to appoint and dismiss judges to/from office and to fulfill other duties.

2. More than half of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be composed of the members elected by a self-government body of judges of the courts

of Georgia of general jurisdiction. Chairperson of the Supreme Court of Georgia shall chair the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

3. Organic law shall define the powers and the procedures for establishment of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 4133 of 27 December 2006 – LHG I, No 3, 11.1.2007, Art. 44

 

Article 87

1. A judge shall enjoy personal immunity. No one has the right to arrest, detain, or bring criminal proceedings against a judge, search his/her apartment,

car, workplace, or conduct a personal search without the consent of the Chairperson of the Supreme Court of Georgia, except when he/she is caught at

the scene of crime, in which case the Chairperson of the Supreme Court of Georgia shall immediately be notified. Unless the Chairperson of the

Supreme Court of Georgia gives his/her consent, the arrested or detained judge shall be immediately released.

2. The State shall ensure the security of any judge and their family.

 

Article 88

1. The Constitutional Court of Georgia shall exercise judicial power by virtue of constitutional litigation.

2. The Constitutional Court of Georgia shall consist of 9 judges, members of the Constitutional Court. Three members of the Court shall be appointed by

the President of Georgia, three members shall be elected by more than half of the full list of MPs, and three members shall be appointed by the Supreme

Court. Members of the Constitutional Court shall be appointed for 10 years. The Constitutional Court shall elect its chairperson among its composition

for a period of five years.

3. No person shall be a member of the Constitutional Court if they have held this office before.

4. Any citizen of Georgia having a higher legal education who is thirty years old may be a member of the Constitutional Court. The recruitment,

appointment, and election procedure, and the issue of termination of office for members of the Constitutional Court as well as other issues of the

constitutional litigation and the activity of the Constitutional Court shall be laid down in law.

5. A member of the Constitutional Court shall enjoy personal immunity. No one has the right to arrest, detain, or bring criminal proceeding against a

member of the Constitutional Court, search his/her apartment, car, workplace, or conduct a personal search without the consent of the Constitutional

Court, except when he/she is caught at the scene of crime, in which case the Constitutional Court of Georgia shall immediately be notified. Unless the

Constitutional Court gives its consent, the arrested or detained member of the Constitutional Court shall be immediately released.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 2496 of 27 December 2005 – LHG I, No 1, 4.1.2006, Art. 2

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 89

1. Based on an action brought or a nomination made by the President of Georgia, the Government of Georgia, not less than one fifth of the MPs, the

court, supreme representative bodies of the Autonomous Republics of Abkhazia and Ajara, self-government representative bodies – Sakrebulos, the High

Council of Justice, the Public Defender or a citizen, in the manner prescribed by an organic law, the Constitutional Court of Georgia shall:

a) adjudicate the constitutionality of a Constitutional Agreement, law, normative acts of the President and the Government, normative acts of supreme

state bodies of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia and the Autonomous Republic of Ajara;

b) consider disputes on competence between the state bodies;

c) consider the constitutionality of formation and activity of political associations of citizens;

d) consider disputes on the constitutionality of regulations governing referenda and elections as well as disputes on the constitutionality of elections

(referenda) held or to be held on the basis of those regulations;

e) consider the constitutionality of international treaties and agreements;

f) consider the constitutionality of normative acts in terms of fundamental human rights and freedoms enshrined in Chapter Two of the Constitution on

the basis of an individual’s lawsuit;

f1) consider disputes on violations of the Constitutional Law of Georgia on the Status of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara;

f2) consider disputes on the constitutionality of normative acts in terms of the provisions defined by Chapter 7¹ of the Constitution on the basis of a

lawsuit brought by a self-government representative body – Sakrebulo;

f3) consider the compatibility of normative acts with Articles 82, 84, 86, 86¹, 87 and 90 of the Constitution based on the submission by the High Council

of Justice;

g) exercise other powers prescribed by the Constitution and organic law of Georgia.

2. A ruling of the Constitutional Court shall be final. A normative act or a part thereof recognized as unconstitutional shall cease to have legal effect as

soon as the respective ruling of the Constitutional Court is promulgated.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 260 of 20 April 2000 – LHG I, No 15, 25.4.2000, Art. 36

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 826 of 30 March 2001 – LHG I, No 9, 10.4.2001, Art. 33

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 1689 of 10 October 2002 – LHG I, No 28, 28.10.2002, Art. 128

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3272 of 6 February 2004 – LHG I, No 2, 7.2.2004, Art. 5

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 306 of 1 July 2004 – LHG I, No 16, 4.7.2004, Art. 54

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 2496 of 27 December 2005 – LHG I, No 1, 4.1.2006, Art. 2

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 90

1. The Supreme Court of Georgia shall be the Court of Cassation.

2. The chairperson and judges of the Supreme Court of Georgia shall be elected for a period of not less than 10 years by Parliament, by a majority of the

full list of MPs, at the suggestion of the President of Georgia.

3. Organic law shall define the powers, structure, work procedure, and procedure for early termination of the office of the Supreme Court judges.

4. The chairperson and members of the Supreme Court of Georgia shall enjoy personal immunity. No one has the right to arrest, detain, or bring

criminal proceeding against the chairperson and members of the Supreme Court, search his/her apartment, car, workplace, or conduct a personal search

without the consent of Parliament, except when he/she is caught at the scene of crime, in which case the Parliament of Georgia shall immediately be

notified. Unless the Parliament of Georgia gives its consent, the arrested or detained person shall be immediately released.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 2496 of 27 December 2005 – LHG I, No 1, 4.1.2006, Art. 2

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 91. (Deleted)

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3272 of 6 February 2004 – LHG I, No 2, 7.2.2004, Art. 5

 

CHAPTER SIX

State Finances and Control

 

Article 92

1. The Parliament of Georgia shall annually adopt the Law on State Budget by a majority of the full list of MPs and the President of Georgia shall sign it.

2. The procedure for drafting and adopting the State Budget of Georgia shall be prescribed by law.

 

Article 93

1. Only the Government of Georgia shall have the right to present a draft State Budget to Parliament after it has examined the basic data and trends with

the committees of Parliament.

2. The Government shall submit a draft budget for the next year to Parliament not later than three months before the end of a budget year. Along with a

draft State Budget, the Government shall submit a report of the progress of the execution of the State Budget for the current year. The Government shall

submit a report of execution of the State Budget to Parliament for approval not later than five months from the end of a budget year.

3. Amendments may be made to a draft State Budget only by the consent of the Government. The Government may demand that Parliament incur

additional state expenditures only if it indicates the source for covering the expenditures.

4. If Parliament fails to adopt the presented State Budget within three months, the expenditure shall be covered according to the State Budget for the

previous year.

41. If Parliament fails to adopt State Budget within two months after the beginning of a new budget year, this shall be regarded as raising a question of

giving a vote of no confidence and the procedures under Article 81(2-5) of the Constitution shall continue. If Parliament fails to give the Government a

vote of no confidence within the timeframe prescribed by paragraphs 2-4 of the same article, the President shall dismiss Parliament within three days

after the expiration of the above term and shall call extraordinary elections.

5. Parliament may adopt a draft law that increases expenditure of the State Budget for the current year, reduces income, or places the State under new

financial obligations only by the consent of the Government, whereas, a draft law associated with the following financial year may be adopted by the

consent of the Government or within the scope of a document of basic data and trends of the country presented by the Government to Parliament.

6. Parliament shall control public expenditure through the State Audit Office.

7. Organic law shall define the fundamental principles of economic policy with a view to ensure long-term, sustainable economic growth. Organic law

shall determine cases of violation of thresholds set by macroeconomic parameters and deviation from prescribed thresholds in case of urgent necessity,

as well as measures to be taken for returning to the parameter thresholds.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3272 of 6 February 2004 – LHG I, No 2, 7.2.2004, Art. 5

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 4033 of 15 December 2010 – website, 3.1.2011

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 6240 of 22 May 2012 – website, 29.5.2012

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 1456 of 4 October 2013 – website, 16.10.2013

 

Article 94

1. Taxes and fees shall be paid in the amount and in the manner prescribed by law.

2. Only law shall determine the structure of taxes and fees and the procedure for introduction thereof.

3. Exemption from taxes shall be permitted only by law.

4. A new type of common-state tax, except for excise tax, may be adopted or the upper limit of the current rate may be increased by a type of commonstate

tax only through a referendum, except for the cases prescribed by organic law. Only the Government of Georgia shall have the right to initiate a

referendum.

5. Introduction or change of a tax shall not be deemed an introduction of a new type of common-state tax or an increase in the marginal rate if the

introduced or changed tax represents an alternative to the current tax or replaces the current tax and at the same time does not increase the tax burden.

Furthermore, tax rate changes by the type of taxes within the current marginal rate shall not be deemed an introduction of a new type of common-state

tax or an increase in the marginal rate.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 4033 of 15 December 2010 – website, 3.1.2011

 

Article 95

1. The National Bank of Georgia shall conduct monetary policy to ensure price stability as well as shall maintain the stable operation of the financial

sector.

2. (Deleted – 15.10.2010, No 3710).

3. The National Bank shall be the principal bank of Georgia, the banker and fiscal agent of the Government of Georgia.

4. The National Bank shall be independent in its activity. Organic law shall determine the rights and duties, the procedure of activity, and shall

guarantee the independence of the National Bank.

5. Law shall determine the name and unit of money. Only the National Bank shall have the right to money emission.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 96

1. The Council of the National Bank shall be the supreme body for the National Bank of Georgia. Upon nomination of the President of Georgia, for a

term of seven years, a majority of MPs shall elect the members of the Council of the National Bank. The members of the Council of the National Bank

may be dismissed only by a decision of Parliament in accordance with Article 64.

2. The President of Georgia shall appoint and/or dismiss the President of the National Bank from among the members of the Council of the National

Bank.

3. The National Bank shall be accountable to Parliament and shall present to it a report of its activity annually.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 97

1. The State Audit Office shall supervise the use and expenditure of public funds and other material values. It shall also have the right to examine the

activities of other state bodies of fiscal and economic control and to submit proposals for improving tax laws to Parliament.

2. The State Audit Office shall be independent in its activity. It shall be accountable to the Parliament of Georgia. The Parliament of Georgia shall elect

the General Auditor of State Audit Office for a term of five years by a majority of the full list of MPs, upon the nomination of the Chairperson of

Parliament. The Constitution and law shall determine the grounds and procedure for dismissal of General Auditor from office.

3. The State Audit Office shall submit a report regarding the Government’s report to Parliament biannually while submitting the preliminary and final

reports of budget execution and it shall submit a report of its activity annually.

4. Law shall define the powers, structure, and work procedure of the State Audit Office, as well as shall guarantee its independence.

5. Other bodies of state control shall be set up in accordance with law.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3272 of 6 February 2004 – LHG I, No 2, 7.2.2004, Art. 5

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 6239 of 22 May 2012 – website, 29.5.2012

 

CHAPTER SEVEN

State Defense

 

Article 98

1. Defensive war shall be a sovereign right of Georgia.

2. Georgia shall have the Armed Forces to protect the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the country as well as to fulfill its

international obligations.

3. Law shall determine the types and composition of the Armed Forces. The President of Georgia shall approve the structure of the Armed Forces, while

the Parliament of Georgia shall approve the number of the Armed Forces by a majority of the full list of MPs at the suggestion of the National Security

Council.

 

Article 99

1. The National Security Council shall be set up to organize the military development and defense of the country. The President of Georgia shall head

the National Security Council.

2. Organic law shall determine the composition, powers, and work procedure of the National Security Council.

 

Article 100

1. The President of Georgia shall decide to activate the Armed Forces and present it to Parliament for approval within 48 hours of his/her decision. In

addition, the Armed Forces may not be used for the fulfillment of international obligations without the consent of the Parliament of Georgia.

2. The President of Georgia shall decide on the entry, use, and dislocation of the military forces of another state in the territory of Georgia in special

cases and in cases prescribed by law for reasons of state defense. The decision shall be immediately submitted to Parliament for approval and shall be

enforced by consent of Parliament.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3272 of 6 February 2004 – LHG I, No 2, 7.2.2004, Art. 5

 

Article 101

1. The defense of Georgia shall be an obligation of every citizen of Georgia.

2. It is the duty of every citizen to defend the country and serve time in the army. Law shall determine the form of serving in the army.

 

 

CHAPTER SEVEN1

Local Self-Government

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 1011

1. Organic law shall define the establishment procedure and activity of the representative and executive bodies of local self-government. Executive

bodies of local self-governments shall be accountable to the representative bodies of local self-government.

2. Citizens of Georgia registered within the self-governing unit area shall elect a local self-government representative body – Sakrebulo by direct,

universal, equal suffrage through secret ballot.

3. Organic law shall determine the procedure for the establishment and revocation of a local self-governing unit as well as the procedure for revising its

administrative frontiers. Consultations with a local self-governing unit shall precede the revocation of a self-governing unit or revision of its

administrative frontiers.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

 

Article 101²

1. Powers of local self-government shall be delimited from those of state bodies. A self-governing unit shall have its own and delegated powers. Organic

law shall determine the powers and the basic principles of how to define powers of self-government.

2. A self-governing unit shall exercise its powers independently and by its own responsibility in the manner prescribed by legislation of Georgia. The

powers defined by organic law shall be exclusive.

3. A self-governing unit shall have the right to take any decision on its own initiative, provided that the decision does not fall within the competence of

any other government agency or is not prohibited by law.

4. State bodies may delegate rights and powers to a self-governing unit on the basis of legislative acts and agreements only by transfer of relevant

material and financial resources. Law shall define the amount calculation of such resources.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

Article 101³

1. Local self-government shall have its property and finances.

2. Decisions made by self-government bodies shall be mandatory to be executed within the scope of their competence.

3. State supervision over the activities of local self-government bodies shall be carried out in the manner prescribed by law. State supervision provides

compliance of normative acts of local self-government with the legislation of Georgia and proper implementation of delegated powers. State supervision

shall be exercised in proportion to its goals.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

 

CHAPTER EIGHT

Revision of the Constitution

 

Article 102

1. A draft law on general or partial revision of the Constitution may be revised by:

a) (deleted – 15.10.2010, No 3710)

b) more than half of the total number of MPs

c) not less than 200,000 voters.

2. A draft revision of the Constitution shall be submitted to the Parliament of Georgia. Parliament shall promulgate the draft revision for open

discussion. Parliament shall start to consider the draft revision in a month from its promulgation.

3. A draft revision of the Constitution shall be deemed adopted if it is supported by not less than three fourths of the total number of MPs of Georgia at

two successive sessions of the Parliament of Georgia after an interval of at least three months.

4. The President of Georgia shall sign and promulgate the law on revision of the Constitution in the manner provided for by Article 68 of the

Constitution.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 3710 of 15 October 2010 – LHG I, No 62, 5.11.2010, Art. 379

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 5630 of 27 December 2011 – website, 9.1.2012

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 1456 of 4 October 2013 – website, 16.10.2013

 

Article 103

Announcement of a state of emergency or martial law shall lead to the suspension of the revision of the Constitution until the state of emergency or

martial law has been cancelled.

 

CHAPTER NINE

Transitional Provisions

 

Article 104

1. The Constitution of Georgia shall enter into force upon the date of recognizing the powers of the newly elected President and the Parliament of

Georgia.

2. Articles 49, 50 and 70 of the Constitution shall enter into force upon the promulgation of the Constitution.

 

Article 1041

1. Article 49(1) and Article 58(1) of the Constitution shall enter into force as soon as appropriate amendments and addenda are made to the organic law

Election Code of Georgia.

2. The composition of the Parliament of Georgia elected in 2004, before termination of its office, and the number of the MPs required for the

establishment of a faction shall be determined by laws acting at the time of parliamentary elections.

3. Regular elections of the Parliament of Georgia for 2008 shall take place in May. The President of Georgia shall schedule the date of elections not later

than 60 days before elections.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 1010 of 23 February 2005 – LHG I, No 8, 10.3.2005, Art. 57

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 4133 of 27 December 2006 – LHG I, No 3, 11.1.2007, Art. 44

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 5833 of 11 March 2008 – LHG I, No 3, 13.3.2008, Art. 7

 

Article 1042

Powers of an MP of Georgia shall be restored for the MPs who were elected on 21 May 2008 through the majoritarian system but their term of office

was terminated early by Resolution of Parliament in accordance with Article 54(2)(a) of the Constitution of Georgia, provided that the powers of their

substitutes have not been acknowledged and if they give their consent before 1 January 2010.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 1675 of 24 September 2009 – LHG I, No 29, 12.10.2009, Art. 158

 

Article 1043

1. Unscheduled elections of self-government bodies shall be held not later than 1 June 2010.

2. Elections for Tbilisi Mayor shall be held by fair, universal, equal, and direct suffrage through secret ballot within the term defined in the first

paragraph of this article.

3. The President of Georgia shall schedule the date for the election set forth in the second paragraph of this article not later than 60 days before the

election.

4. The Parliament of Georgia shall ensure the compliance of other legislative acts of Georgia with this article within one month upon its enactment.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 2565 of 12 February 2010 – LHG I, No 6, 22.2.2010, Art. 20

 

Article 1044

1. Individuals of appropriate age as well as citizens of Georgia shall have the right to participate and cast votes in parliamentary and presidential elections held prior to 1 January 2014 if they were born in Georgia and have been living in Georgia for the last five years, and if they are the citizens of a

member state of the European Union at the time of enactment of this article.

2. Limitations set forth in Article 29(11) of the Constitution shall not apply to the case laid down in the first paragraph of this article.

Constitutional Law of Georgia No 6238 of 22 May 2012 – website, 29.5.2012

 

Article 105

1. A political association of citizens registered as prescribed by law, the initiative of which is supported by at least 50,000 signatures or which had a

representative in Parliament on the day when this Constitution was adopted, shall have the right to stand for elections in 1995.

2. Elections shall be held through the proportional system with a unified party list.

3. A political association or an electoral block shall have the right to nominate a candidate for an MP in a majoritarian election district who is at the

same time on its party list.

4. A candidate having obtained the most number of votes but not less than one third of votes shall be deemed elected in a majoritarian electoral district.

5. If none of the candidates received the required number of votes in the first round, the second round shall be held. Two candidates with the best

results shall take part in the second round. The candidate having received the most number of votes shall be deemed elected.

6. This article shall enter into force upon the promulgation of the Constitution and be valid until the tenure of a newly elected Parliament is

recognized.

 

Article 106

1. After the Constitution comes into force, only the legal act or a part thereof that does not conflict with the Constitution shall have legal force.

2. During two years after the entry into force of the Constitution, the President of Georgia and the Parliament of Georgia shall ensure the public

registration of normative acts adopted before the entry into force of the Constitution, and shall guarantee the compliance thereof with the Constitution

and laws.

3. The Parliament of Georgia shall, within two years after the entry into force of the Constitution, adopt organic laws envisaged by the Constitution or

confirm the lawfulness of normative acts applicable in the field.

 

Article 107

1. Current laws on the judiciary shall remain in force before the adoption of organic laws on the judiciary in accordance with the Constitution.

2. Article 18(2) and (3) of the Constitution shall enter into force after the adoption of the respective criminal procedural legislative acts.

3. The Organic Law on Constitutional Court shall be adopted before 1 February 1996.

 

Article 108

If Georgian jurisdiction in the whole territory of Georgia is restored, appropriate amendments and addenda to Article 102(2) of the Constitution may be

made as an exception, without promulgation of a draft revision of the Constitution for open discussion.

 

Article 109

1. The Constitution duly adopted shall be signed and promulgated by the Head of State of Georgia.

2. Members of the Parliament of Georgia and members of the Constitutional Commission shall sign the text of the Constitution. The text of the

Constitution shall be kept publicly in the buildings of all local bodies of Georgia within at least one year after the enforcement of the Constitution so as

to let the population get familiar with the Constitution.

 

 

Head of State of Georgia

Eduard Shevardnadze

Tbilisi,

24 August 1995

No 786-ES

 

 

Source: Official website of the Civil Service Bureau

In: csb.gov.ge/uploads/2081806.pdf

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