**Parliamentary Mandates Terminated for Gakharia’s Party Deputies**
The Georgian parliament has taken a significant step against the deputies of Giorgi Gakharia’s party, Gakharia for Georgia. The mandates of 12 party members have been terminated due to unjustified absences from sessions. This move comes after the deputies failed to attend more than half of the plenary sessions of the parliament without a valid reason.
**A Total of 61 Mandates Terminated**
The current parliament, which should consist of 150 members, is now represented by only 89 deputies. In total, the mandates of 61 members of parliament in the 11th convocation have been terminated. This significant number highlights the extent to which party discipline has broken down.
**Gakharia’s Party Faces Consequences**
Unlike other opposition parties, Gakharia for Georgia has not withdrawn its electoral list. As a result, the issue of recognizing the authority of the next 12 members of the electoral list will be on the agenda of the parliament. This means that these individuals may face difficulties in assuming their parliamentary duties.
**Party Funding Suspended**
In addition to the termination of mandates, Gakharia for Georgia will also face financial consequences. According to the Law on Political Unions of Citizens, a party cannot receive budget funding for six months if more than half of its nominated parliamentarians fail to attend more than half of plenary sessions without a valid reason. As a result, the party’s funding from the state budget will be suspended from the next calendar month.
**Commentary**
The termination of parliamentary mandates and suspension of party funding are significant consequences for Gakharia for Georgia. This move highlights the parliament’s determination to uphold discipline and accountability among its members. The fate of the remaining electoral list members remains uncertain, and it is unclear how this development will impact the party’s prospects in future elections.
As an expert observer, I believe that this decision sends a strong message to all political parties and their representatives about the importance of attending parliamentary sessions and upholding party discipline. It also underscores the need for effective leadership within parties to ensure that their nominees are well-prepared and dedicated to fulfilling their duties as parliamentarians.
**Further Analysis**
The suspension of funding for Gakharia for Georgia will undoubtedly affect its ability to operate effectively in the coming months. This development may lead to a re-evaluation of the party’s strategy and priorities, potentially impacting its relationships with other political parties and stakeholders.
It remains to be seen how the party will adapt to these new challenges and what implications this has for Georgian politics as a whole.