II. Comments on the text of the draft law

F. Nomination and registration of candidates

Complying with previous OSCE/ODIHR and Venice Commission recommendations, the draft law introduces the concept of independent candidates in the single-mandate districts (Article 55). However, the deadlines for the registration of such candidates are too short and could represent a serious impediment for them to provide all necessary documents to the corresponding DEC. Article 59 provides that registration documents shall be submitted by a candidate no later than 51 days prior to the election day. The DECs has 4 days to consider the documents and take a decision on registration. In case of refusal to register, the applicant would be left with one day in which to  file an appeal not taking into account the possible extension of deadlines during week-ends.