K. Voters lists

Article 40(4) reintroduces the possibility to be included on the voter list on election day in the polling station. This is a negative development, which is not in line with good practice.[1] A person claiming to be a voter who was omitted from the list can submit an application to the PEC Chairperson, who then informs the TEC. The TEC Chairperson makes a decision after conferring with the system administrator, two TEC members, representatives of political parties and candidates, and observers. A ballot is given to the voter if the decision is favourable to the voter. The OSCE/ODIHR and the Venice Commission have been critical of this provision in prior versions of the election law due to the observation of frequent and serious legal violations observed in polling stations on election day. The Venice Commission and the OSCE/ODIHR recommend the possibility for election day registration in the polling station be deleted from the law.

[1] Code of Good Practice in Electoral Matters, I.1.2.iv.