As it was expected Konstantine Gamsakhurdia, leader of opposition Freedom Party, announced on October 23 that he had agreed to retake his MP seat, rejected along with other opposition politicians following the May 21, 2008 parliamentary elections, citing that the polls were rigged.

The announcement comes after the Parliament decided to establish an interim parliamentary commission to study the circumstances of President Zviad Gamsakhurdia’s death sixteen years ago. Konstantine Gamsakhurdia is son of the late President. The commission will consist of eleven lawmakers and work for a period of three months. Members of the commission have yet to be selected.

In September, the Parliament endorsed constitutional amendment allowing ten opposition politicians, including Konstantine Gamsakhurdia, to regain their MP credentials. Other opposition politicians, also eligible to retake their MP seats, have refused to follow Konstantine Gamsakhurdia’s suit.