13. Is there a ban on the use of state resources in favour or against a political party or candidate?

Article 48 of the Election Code

The Election Code contains various provisions on use of state resources and official positions, providing inter alia that state buildings, communication means and vehicles can only be used if equal access is given to all subjects, misuse will be subject to fines of 1,000 GEL (approximately €417) and that from the date of announcement of the elections, implementation of projects not previously foreseen in government budget is prohibited. These provisions were introduced into the Election Code after the 2008 presidential and parliamentary elections.

1. Any person having the right to participate in canvassing according to Article 45(4) of this Law shall be prohibited from using administrative resources in the course of the election campaign in support of or against any political party, candidate for electoral subject, or electoral subject. In addition, it is prohibited to: a) use premises occupied by state authorities and local self-government bodies, also by organisations funded from the State Budget of Georgia, provided that other political parties, candidates for electoral subject, or electoral subjects are unable to use similar premises under the same conditions; b) use means of communication, information services, and other kinds of equipment designated for state authorities and local self-government bodies, also for organisations funded from the State Budget of Georgia (except for political parties); c) use means of transportation owned by state authorities or local self-government bodies.