III. DISCUSSION OF THE DRAFT NATIONAL ELECTIONS LAW AND THE DRAFT ELECTION COMMISSIONS LAW

E. Presidential Candidacy Rights

The Venice Commission Code of Good Practice in Electoral Matters states:  “a length of residence requirement may be imposed on nationals solely for local or regional elections.”[1] While residency is generally accepted as a valid restriction to candidacy rights, the 15-years residency requirement for presidential candidates would appear excessive. The Venice Commission and OSCE/ODIHR recommend that consideration be given to amend the 15-year residency requirement for a presidential candidate.

[1]  Code of Good Practice in Electoral Matters, CDL-AD(2002)023rev, I.1.1.c.