On October 16, President Mikheil Saakashvili proposed lowering the election threshold from seven to five percent and diluting his power to dissolve parliament, among other constitutional changes. Are these proposals good for the country?
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Thursday, October 18
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President pushes electoral reform
Changes would lower the bar for parliamentary representation, dilute presidential control of parliament
As a contribution to “enhance the political culture” in Georgia, President Mikheil Saakashvili pitched a package of constitutional reforms which would decrease the electoral vote threshold, limit the president’s control on parliament and prolong the parliament’s term of office to coincide with presidential elections. (more)
Moscow denies reports of drug dealing Russian peacekeepers
Georgian media reported that Russian peacekeepers in Abkhazia were detained for selling illicit drugs, prompting a denial and strong rebuke from Moscow. Rustavi 2 and Mze TV reported on October 16 that Russian peacekeepers stole promedol, a morphine-like substance, from their medical center and sold it to Chechen peacekeepers at nearby checkpoints. (more)
Authorities detain brother of close Okruashvili ally
The brother of businessman Kibar Khalvashi, a close associate of arrested ex-minister Irakli Okruashvili, was detained on the night of October 16. (more)
News in Brief

The opposition’s political momentum begins or ends on November 2
Politicians, pundits and even a few voters are looking anxiously to November 2. That is when the United National Council, which includes most of the country’s serious opposition parties, promises the biggest protest rally the country has seen in years. (more)


Georgians skeptical of Saakashvili’s anti-corruption task force, survey suggests
After former defense minister Irakli Okruashvili accused President Saakashvili and his family of involvement in corruption—allegations Okruashvili has since recanted—the president announced the establishment of an anti-corruption task force. (more)
Azerbaijani gas supply continues for now
SOCAR: 8 billion cubic meters of Shah Deniz gas will be extracted next year
In 2008, 8 billion cubic meters of natural gas will be extracted from Azerbaijan’s major Shah Deniz gas field, the Azerbaijani state oil company announced. (more)



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