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

S. Voting procedures

Article 30(10) of the draft national elections law provides that precinct election commissions shall cross out on the ballots the names of candidates and lists of candidates who have withdrawn after the ballots have been printed. This is time consuming and creates significant possibility for errors and abuse. No marks should be made on the ballot except the voter’s voting choice, which should be made by the voter. In the case of withdrawal, voters should be informed through information provided by the Central Election Commission in news and by the posting of informational material in polling stations. The Venice Commission and OSCE/ODIHR recommend that Article 30(10) be accordingly amended. Moreover, withdrawal of candidates should not be possible at least a few days before elections, in order to ensure clarity and to avoid pressure on candidates.