Georgia’s government is taking steps to distribute power more evenly, opening up a new chapter in its democratic development, according to a high-level Georgian delegation that visited IFES on October 20. Georgian Ambassador to the United States, Canada and Mexico Vasil Sikharulidze and Members of Parliament Nikoloz Rurua and David Bakradze discussed a variety of elections-related topics with IFES staff including President Mikheil Saakashvili’s proposal to hold presidential and parliamentary elections at the same time in spring 2008. The move to hold the presidential election nine months earlier than scheduled is part of a larger attempt by the country’s executive branch to transfer some of its powers to the legislature. Bakradze said that the Georgian president’s proposal is an example of how his country is seeking to set up a system of checks and balances between institutions.

The Georgian officials also talked about the results of the October 5 local elections and the school board elections which were held in the spring. “These elections are more important than voting for the congress or senators,” said Rurua, explaining that local and school board elections, in which approximately 700,000 parents and educators participated, have a far greater impact on a voter’s daily life than national polls. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Council of Europe offered a relatively positive assessment of the October 5 elections, although they noted that incumbents had an advantage because of "the blurred distinction between the authorities and the governing party" and "highly visible social aid programs" by which the ruling party paid out pension bonuses and provided temporary jobs. IFES President Richard Soudriette and Caucasus Program Manager Al Decie said that IFES is committed to helping Georgia strengthen its reform program and further adopt international standards for elections. The Georgian delegates said that IFES could play a useful role in school governance reforms as well as election administration improvements prior to the 2008 elections.