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

G. Electoral deposits for presidential candidates

The deposit is reimbursed if the candidate obtains a number of votes not less than 15 per cent of the number of voters who participated in the election. It is generally accepted that the amount of an electoral deposit and the number of votes required for reimbursement of the deposit should not be excessive.[1] Fifteen percent is a rather high threshold for reimbursement of the electoral deposit. The Venice Commission and OSCE/ODIHR recommend that Article 53(3) be amended to lower significantly the threshold for reimbursement of the candidate’s deposit.

[1] Code of Good Practice in Electoral Matters, CDL-AD(2002)023rev, 1.3(9).