J. Election Commissions

The OSCE/ODIHR and the Venice Commission previously expressed concern that the appointment process for the election administration did not ensure a broad and equitable representation of all election stakeholders. The most recent election report of the OSCE/ODIHR on the 2011 presidential election noted that election commissions at all levels were more pluralistic than in past elections. This is positive, particularly since interests holding political power in executive and legislative branches of government control much of the appointment process. The appointment process for the election administration in future elections should be observed carefully and assessed whether this positive trend is likely to be maintained even without changes in the legal provisions regulating appointment.