Georgia, Tbilisi, Oct. 12 / Trend N.Kirtzkhalia /
The Georgian parliament has today postponed adoption of the new Constitution to Oct.15. Parliamentary Speaker David Bakradze, who agreed with the arguments of the parliamentary opposition, made such a decision at the plenary meeting.
The opposition members stated that they received the draft Constitution just this morning in its third reading and did not have time to get acquainted with the changes, including the change stipulating the possibility of participation in the presidential elections as candidates Georgian citizens, who have lived in the country for five years, three years of which is constant.
Bakradze said he does not want the Constitution to be adopted in haste and gives the opposition time to read the amendments in the final draft.
Meanwhile, the Georgian parliament will not wait for the final recommendations of the Venice Commission, which will submit its comments on Oct.16.
The parliamentary majority claim that the Georgian parliament actively collaborated with the Venice Commission all the while and familiarized it with the document adopted in the second reading, during a visit to Strasbourg.
The new Constitution implies changes in 160 laws. The Georgian parliament state that the process will not be completed, but the basis procedures will be launched with the adoption of the new Constitution.
The parliamentary opposition, which could pass its amendments to the basic law, is expected to support the adoption of the Constitution.
Meanwhile, the Venice Commission strongly advised the Georgian parliament to wait for its final recommendations.
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