Regarding the grounds for refusal of status, the reference to the general knowledge or to “circumstances that undoubtedly indicate the intention to circumvent the law” are vague and therefore make it very difficult for the REC to conclude that a given list is attempting to abuse the status of a national minority list, as raised by interlocutors of the Venice Commission and ODIHR for the 2022 elections. On the one hand, it is hardly a guarantee for minority representation that an electoral list promises to enhance the rights of national minority members. Such policy goals can also be shared or championed by non-minority parties and candidates. Advance declarations of minority policies can also be pro forma. It might be more useful if the criteria placed greater emphasis on objective proof of affiliation of candidates to national minorities, such as biographic data, membership in organisations promoting the rights of minorities, participation in events organised by minority councils (e.g., speaking engagements), etc. More objective and clear criteria would also limit discretion in the decision to grant national minority status to electoral lists. The Venice Commission and ODIHR recommend providing for such criteria.