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Every month Fund "Sukhumi” organizes informational meetings with representatives of political parties functioning in the cities of Western Georgia.

In January parties were provided with the information about objectives of Fund "Sukhumi” – to increase women’s representation and strengthen their role in political parties. Representatives of parties, in their turn, gave information about the process of preparation for the participation in the local self-government elections in their parties and what chances women have of being presented in election lists.

The meetings were held with the representative of the following parties: United National Movement (Zugdidi), Republican Party (Batumi, Ozurgeti), Christian-democratic Movement (Poti), Labour Party (Kutaisi).

Election lists of the Republican Party are drawn up based on liberal principles, that means free selection of candidates. Women and men have equal rights to be presented in election lists.

Representatives of the National Movement say that women-members of their parties would be given possibility to use their skills and experience in pre-election period as well as during the elections.

Chairperson of the Christian-democratic Movement in Poti, Lasha Beraia said that in their election lists second and third positions would be held by women running committees of Health and Education within their parties.

As to the system of quoting chairpersons of parties do not support the system of drawing up election lists taking into account gender. They think that more attention should be paid to professionalism, hardworking and experience of candidates.