This reversion to the pre-2021 electoral system is particularly worrying, as international election observers found that this formula allowed “each settlement to have representation on the Council but result[ed] in significant inequality of voting power of voters residing in different constituencies.”43 The amendments to the electoral law in 2021 thus addressed this shortcoming by increasing the overall number of proportional numbers of proportional seats from 970 to 1404, reducing the number of majoritarian seats from 1088 to 664, and delineating boundaries of 59 majoritarian constituencies.

In turn, and while the choice of the electoral system, whether majoritarian, proportional, or a combination, falls within the discretion of each country, such decisions should be made through broad consultation and consensus, avoiding frequent modifications or changes within a year of elections. The issue of consensus should be emphasised even further when the newly enacted legislative amendments rescind provisions that were previously established through broad agreement. Deciding by parliamentary majority without any attempt to reach a broader consensus undermine the credibility of the electoral system, as its strength is derived from being collectively endorsed by all relevant stakeholders. For these reasons, the Venice Commission recommends repealing the amendments adopted in December 2024 relating to the composition of the Sakrebulos and the relevant electoral system. The Venice Commission acknowledges that this amendment to a fundamental principle of electoral law would occur within one year of the forthcoming elections. Nevertheless, the Commission deems such a modification to be justified, as it seeks to ensure the electoral system's compliance with international electoral