The draft Code retains the same eligibility requirements for a presidential candidate – a citizen over 40, with command of Romanian and who has resided in the country for at least ten years. In their 2016 joint opinion, the Venice Commission and ODIHR noted that: "the requirement of 10 years of residence, even if it does not imply present residence and therefore may permit candidates residing abroad to stand for election, constitutes a candidacy restriction that is overly restrictive and contrary to OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards and should be reconsidered or reduced”. Acknowledging that the age requirement stems from Article 78.2 of the Constitution and that altering it would require amending the Constitution, this recommendation is reiterated and remains in place for the future legislative changes. A rather high age requirement restricts participation of young people, while limiting the pool of candidates for presidency. The legislator should be mindful of the fact that age in itself is not a qualification for the office of President.