48. In general terms, it is perfectly possible and acceptable that a legal system has different norms that apply in different parts of its territory and that rule the same event. However, when the legislator chooses this option, it must respect the general principles of law: fundamental rights, the rule of law, and the democratic principles. The principle of equality is particularly relevant in this case. The general principle of equality of all persons before the law is enforced through the corollary general prohibition of discrimination, as settled in Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights and its Protocol No. 12. These principles taken together mean that the States cannot adopt discriminatory measures or differences between citizens, unless those measures are reasonable and tend to promote full and effective equality. In other words, the difference should be justified. Thus, if the legislation establishes different requirements for exercising an individual right, for instance the right to vote, the differences should be reasonably justified, or else, held as arbitrary and discriminatory.
