Problems of the Parliamentary System in Developing Democracies

SummaryThe proposed constitutional changes inGeorgiaenvision a transition from the current semi-residential system to that of a parliamentary republic. It appears that the Georgian ruling party is being guided by formal principles of associated with the parliamentary system, and not by the historical and social experience ofGeorgia. It is also likely that the parliamentary system is sought for parochial interests, not for the general well-being of the country. The paper argues that the parliamentary system of government is more likely to damage the nascent democratic institutions inGeorgia, create conditions for future instability, and reverse democratic development in the country.