L. Election campaign provisions

Article 47(9 and 10) of the draft law, similar to existing provisions, defines permissible activities during an election campaign. By defining permissible activities, it might be implied that other legitimate activities, that are not specifically included in Article 47(9 and 10), are not permissible. This is problematic as election campaign activities are almost invariably a manifestation of the individual’s rights to freedom of expression and/or association, which are rights applicable throughout the year, regardless of whether elections are being conducted. The OSCE/ODIHR and the Venice Commission previously recommended that Article 47(9 and 10) should be amended to state that the article is not a limitation on the rights of freedom of expression, assembly, or association. This recommendation has not been addressed.