TBILISI, DFWatch–A temporary investigative commission in Georgia’s parliament is seeking to extend its mandate by one month, in order to complete a report expected to paint a detrimental picture of the former government’s abuse of power, starting from 2003.

Chaired by MP Tea Tsulukiani of the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party, the commission was originally set up to investigate possible misconduct by the previous government led by the United National Movement (UNM). However, in April, the commission expanded its scope to include the period after GD came to power in 2012.

Ex-PM Giorgi Gakharia was recently summoned to the commission for a second testimony 23 June under its new expanded scope, in order to explain discrepancies in the controversial Chochana episode in 2019, which caused loss of a small piece of territory. Prosecutor recently launched a criminal investigation on the back of the commission’s work, which might lead to a trial of the former PM, which is significant, because it would be the first time one of GD’s former government members is put on trial.

The commission now plans to present its final report by August 4, just two months ahead of Georgia’s scheduled October 4 local elections. Analysts believe the findings could be used to influence public opinion before the vote. “This is preparation for the elections,” political analyst Zaal Anjaparidze told Rezonansi. He believes the report will seek to delegitimize opposition groups by associating them with past abuses.

The widening of the commission’s scope has evoked the sense that anyone who crosses the ruling party now can get in its crosshairs. Critics like Vakhtang Dzabiradze warn that the commission’s work could be used to weaken political rivals by singling out individual figures like Gakharia, who is among the few party leaders willing to take part in the local elections.

But Tsulukiani insists the commission is operating within legal limits and needs more time to finalize its work. Parliament is expected to vote on the extension in the coming days.