In the Commission’s view, and in the light of the comparative analysis of the constitutions of the 58 countries under consideration, abolishing limits on presidential re-election represents a step back in terms of democratic achievement, at least in presidential or semi-presidential systems. By eliminating an important protection against distortive concentrations of power, abolishing term limits also risks undermining various aspects of the human right to participate in public life. These include the right to participate in genuine periodic elections, the ability to ensure “that persons entitled to vote have a free choice of candidates,” that representatives are freely chosen and accountable, and that the authority of government continues to be based on the free expression of the will of electors.” At any rate, if the people really want to re-elect the incumbent president against their previous decision on term limits, a constitutional amendment needs to be sought according to the relevant constitutional rules. The danger of manipulation of the public opinion by an authoritarian regime should not be underestimated.