The Ministry of Justice has been spearheading a nationwide land registration system reform since 2022, currently active in 59 municipalities. This initiative aims to register land plots owned, used, or even informally occupied by citizens - completely free of charge.

Progress to date was showcased at an event hosted at the Saakadze Training Base of the Justice Training Center. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Justice Minister Rati Bregadze addressed the attendees, while David Devidze, Chairperson of the National Agency of Public Registry, delivered the main presentation.

Since the project's inception, over 1.5 million land plots have been surveyed, and ownership rights for more than 1 million plots have been successfully registered. Additionally, around 1,000 individuals have been trained and employed to support the reform.

Given the remarkable progress, the government has decided to extend the reform until the end of 2025 to ensure that all land plots across the country are accounted for and registered. Upon completion, the initiative will result in a unified cadastral database, clearly delineating private, state, and municipal property.

During the event, Justice Minister Bregadze also showcased the modern equipment and tools being utilized for the reform, as well as the newly inaugurated Saakadze Training Base.

The presentation was attended by representatives from the executive and legislative branches, deputy ministers of justice, state officials, and key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the National Agency of Public Registry, and participating self-government bodies.

At the tenth session of the Interagency Task Force for Free and Fair Elections (IATF), the Deputy Chairperson of the IATF, Giorgi Sharabidze, presented a detailed analysis of potential violations of election legislation that occurred during the voting process. The session addressed concerns regarding the secrecy of voting, the functionality of the verification system, adherence to marking rules, the free expression of the voter’s will at the polling station, and the repeated casting of votes in the name of others.

The session also included a presentation on the IATF’s response to the issues raised through media monitoring.

Minister of Justice Rati Bregadze presided over the session, which was attended by representatives of public agencies, international and local monitoring organizations, and political parties.

The Interagency Task Force for Free and Fair Elections (IATF), established in accordance with the Election Code, is tasked with preventing violations of election legislation by civil servants and responding to such violations. The task force is headed by Minister of Justice Rati Bregadze.

The public is encouraged to report matters within the IATF’s jurisdiction through email at iatf@justice.gov.ge or by calling the hotline at (+995) 599 85 00 11.

The IATF will conclude its activities upon the official announcement of election results by the Central Election Commission (CEC).

Access to public and private sector services continues to expand. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Minister of Justice Rati Bregadze inaugurated the 123rd branch of the Public Service Hall in Terjola today. Member of Parliament Mamuka Mdinaradze also addressed the event’s attendees.

The Terjola Public Service Hall will provide citizens with over 500 services in a modern and comfortable environment. A dedicated space will be available for wedding ceremonies. The branch is fully accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Approximately 15 local residents are employed at the new Public Service Hall. Additionally, the branch houses the offices of the LEPL units responsible for governance within the Ministry of Justice.

The Ministry of Justice prioritizes the accessibility of state services, which are provided by the Public Service Hall throughout Georgia. By 2028, the number of Public Service Halls will reach 133, ensuring that citizens residing in remote areas will be adequately served. The innovative Mobile Public Service Hall will operate in 90 villages across the country.

Currently, there are 26 Public Service Halls directly within the Imereti region, while the Mobile Public Service Hall covers 15 villages of the region.

Furthermore, the Public Service Hall operates in Kutaisi Penitentiary No. 2, introducing a Georgian innovation that has no comparable counterparts globally.

The opening ceremony was attended by members of the legislative authority, Minister of Defense Irakli Chikovani, Deputy Ministers of Justice, heads of LEPLs, state trustee in the Imereti region, representatives of local government and the patriarchate, and invited guests.

The National Agency of Public Registry, under the Ministry of Justice, has introduced a cutting-edge service: the Smart Contract system.

This system redefines traditional transaction processes, allowing payment and property registration to happen simultaneously. Buyers and sellers can now finalize sales agreements remotely by signing them digitally through any internet-connected device. Additionally, the Smart Contract enables users to register a mortgage using the same method.

This innovative solution holds particular significance for Georgian expatriates, as it allows them to purchase real estate in Georgia directly—without requiring intermediaries or powers of attorney.

Citizens interested in using this service can schedule a virtual meeting with an agency representative via the official website at www.napr.gov.ge.

Justice Minister Rati Bregadze recently introduced the Smart Contract system to members of the executive branch, the National Bank president, and financial sector representatives. During the event, David Devidze, Chairperson of the National Agency of Public Registry, presented a comprehensive demonstration of the new system.

Prominent attendees included Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Levan Davitashvili, Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili, National Bank President Natia Turnava, Parliament members, the Public Defender, the Business Association president, and representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the National Agency of Public Registry, and other distinguished guests. Key stakeholders in the Smart Contract initiative, such as commercial banks, real estate developers, and World Bank members, were also present.

In the lead-up to the October 26, 2024, parliamentary elections in Georgia, the Interagency Task Force for Free and Fair Elections (IATF) under the Ministry of Justice is closely monitoring reports of potential violations of electoral law, including incidents such as the confiscation of voter identity cards. To counter disinformation, ensure a fair and transparent election environment, effectively prevent legal violations, and respond appropriately, the IATF urges all election stakeholders to:

Share information on potential electoral violations only if supported by specific facts rather than vague or unsubstantiated claims;

Cooperate fully with the IATF to report and address any possible breaches of election law, as outlined in the Task Force’s mandate.

The Interagency Task Force for Free and Fair Elections (IATF) held its 9th and final session to review responses to issues identified through media monitoring.

Minister of Justice Rati Bregadze chaired the meeting, which was attended by heads of public agencies on the commission, as well as representatives from international and local monitoring organizations and political parties.

The IATF, established in accordance with the Election Code, is tasked with preventing and addressing violations of election laws by civil servants. It is led by Minister of Justice Rati Bregadze.

The public can report matters within the IATF’s purview by email at iatf@justice.gov.ge or by calling the hotline at (+995) 599 85 00 11.

The IATF will conclude its activities once the Central Election Commission (CEC) officially announces the election results.