Although the Election Code provides that domestic observers are permitted to observe at all levels of the election administration (Article 69, par. 71), the badges of domestic observers are to state the name and number of the election districts and precincts where the observer has reported he/she will observe (Article 69, par. 9). While it may be possible for domestic organisations to register for observation on the territory of the entire country, these provisions for reporting districts and precincts is an unnecessary requirement that could be applied in a restrictive manner and might hinder efficient observation. By contrast, international organisations do not have the obligation to specify where they intend to observe the elections and their badges specifically state that the observer has the right to observe any precinct of any district (Article 69, par. 10.) It is recommended that that the Election Code be amended so that national organisations are not required to report in advance where they intend to observe the elections. Electoral observation should be random and domestic organisations should be allowed to make their decision about locations where to observe the electoral process without any constraint. Furthermore, the provision for procedure of registration as observers for national organisations should be aligned with the procedure applied to international organisations, including their registration be made only at the CEC level, timelines for registration and decision consistent with that of international organisations, and no advance notice of locations to be observed. In addition, domestic observer badges should provide that they are permitted to observe at any PEC, DEC, or CEC. In addition, clear and objective observer registration criteria should be established.
