Georgia gained its independence in 1991. It is a member of the Council of Europe and has an elected president and parliament (proportional representation and majority voting) and local government bodies. Georgia has democratic structures, although they are sometimes formal, and there is a certain amount of space for the political opposition. In general, it is a young democracy with an open society.
The “Revolution of Roses” in November 2003 underscored the public’s desire for democratic structures and a democratic state. Local civil society groups and the Council of Europe have criticized political reforms initiated by the country’s new leadership that seek to strengthen the power of the president.
Georgia has been the focus of IDEA’s work in the South Caucasus since 2001, when IDEA launched a two-year assessment of the country’s 10-year democratic development since independence. In partnership with local experts and democracy practitioners, IDEA seeks to foster dialogue, promote participation, articulate a democratic reform agenda, and bring major social issues to the attention of local and international actors. IDEA also works to enhance the professionalism of electoral administration bodies.
Main Local Partners
Main International Partners
