The amended Code increases the competences of the SEC and changes its appointment mechanisms. Article 26 increases the number of SEC members to nine (previously seven). In addition to three parliamentary party representatives nominated by the governing parties and the three nominated by the opposition, the commission now includes three independent experts not affiliated with any political party. While the political parties nominees should be law graduates with at least 8 years of work experience in legal affairs, independent experts are required to have higher education, with at least five years of work experience, but with a professional knowledge and practice in elections and electoral processes. The president and the vice-president of the SEC are elected by parliament from the three non-partisan members, instead of being nominated by the political parties as was previously the case. The amendment also creates a special budgetary account within the state budget for SEC operations and specifies that the SEC independently manages its finances. Article 30 of the Code is also amended by adding the requirement of higher education and experience in public sector management for being appointed as SEC secretary general. The change in the SEC composition, combined with special budgetary account, is positive, as it aims to ensure the impartiality and independence of the SEC.