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

M. Election campaign provisions

Article 22(15) of the draft national elections law prohibits certain groups from campaigning, thereby introducing unreasonable restrictions on individual citizens. Members of charitable and religious organizations, rather than the organizations themselves, for example, are not allowed to campaign. It would appear that this is intended to prevent undue influence by religious and charitable organizations and to prevent improper influence through charitable donations. However, this may be overly restrictive. Although this might seem like a logical provision, this provision violates the principles of freedom of religion and non-discrimination. Every person has the right to the exercise of free speech through campaigning. The Venice Commission and OSCE/ODIHR recommend that Article 22(15) be amended to conform to international standards and domestic law protecting freedom of religion and the right to non-discrimination in the exercise of freedom of speech through campaigning.