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

M. Election campaign provisions

Article 22(9 and 10) of the draft national elections law 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 22(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 Venice Commission and OSCE/ODIHR recommend that Article 22(9 and 10) be amended to state that the article is not a limitation on the rights of freedom of expression, assembly, or association.