The Venice Commission and ODIHR would like to stress the importance of the role of the opposition in a democratic society. They recall Resolution 1601(2008) of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on procedural guidelines on the rights and responsibilities of the opposition in a democratic parliament: 

“3. A political opposition in and outside parliament is an essential component of a well-functioning democracy. One of the main functions of the opposition is to offer a reliable political alternative to the majority in power by providing other policy options for public consideration. By overseeing and criticising the work of the ruling government, continuously evaluating government action and holding the government to account, the opposition works to ensure transparency of public decisions and efficiency in the management of public affairs, thereby ensuring the defence of the public interest and preventing misuse and dysfunction.”