The amendments would create a permanent national register of voters. This is positive, as noted in the previous opinions. The provisions on supplementary voters’ lists (Article 141) have also been improved according to the previous recommendations of the Venice Commission and the OSCE/ODIHR. The final amendments eliminate the role of the CEC and the TECs over the compilation of the voters’ lists almost completely. For example, compared with the previous draft amendments, the obligation of the CEC and the TECs to oversee the compilation and maintenance of voters’ lists has been eliminated. Also, according to the adopted amendments, the CEC would not adopt procedures regarding the publication or distribution of copies of the voters’ lists. It is assumed that such procedures are adopted by the Authorized Agency. In principle, the clear responsibility over the voters’ lists with one institution (i.e. Authorized Agency) is acceptable. In practice, cooperation between the CEC and the Authorized Agency is still necessary, and the provisions eliminated from the Electoral Code should not be an obstacle to such co-operation.
