Minority Rights and Protection of Equality Principle in Georgian Parliamentary Elections (2012-2022)

Abstract

According to the definition of modern democracy, citizens' primary means of government control is free elections, which is a necessary condition for the state's democracy. A part of the society believes that the elections ensure the state's management by the majority, which is reflected in the decision-making of their representatives. The other part argues that elections are a mechanism for the elite to rule the majority according to their interests.   Despite different opinions, all of them agree that elections greatly influence the formation of a democratic regime. However, the interpretation of the main principles of elections and their meaning is quite different. One of the main factors determining free and fair elections is the presence of minority representatives. However, free and fair elections are not always a guarantee that the interests of women and national/ethnic minorities will be considered.    The presented paper aims to evaluate the issue of minority quotas based on the practice of different countries regarding the principle of equality and to develop recommendations based on the comparative analysis, which will be relevant considering the current legal and political situation in Georgia.   The theoretical and practical value of the research for Georgia is determined by the fact that one of the main conditions of the Association Agreement signed between Georgia and the European Union is integration into European structures, which, in turn, implies the establishment and effective functioning of democratic institutions. The mentioned is not only desirable and appropriate but also necessary in order to get closer to the international standards of democracy.   For the research, the parliamentary elections held in Georgia in 2012, 2016, and 2020 have been studied; the results of all three elections, particularly the representation of minorities and the facilitating and hindering circumstances of the mentioned process, have been analyzed. In addition, the norms protecting the interests of minorities in the electoral legislation of Romania and Hungary and the practical results of their implementation have been studied; In conclusion, based on the comparative analysis, specific recommendations are formulated which serve to protect the interests of minorities and the principle of equality.