The Venice Commission and the OSCE/ODIHR therefore recommend that decisions on determining locations for polling stations abroad should be based on clear and consistent criteria. Such decisions should be taken in broad consultation with relevant stakeholders well in advance of an election. Both institutions also recommend to avoid amendments to the Electoral Code so close to the election and, if needed, to include in the text, in transitional provisions for instance, provisions concerning the enforcement of amended provisions, especially when touching upon fundamental elements of an electoral process.