At the domestic level, the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova contains several relevant provisions, which together protect political pluralism, democratic participation and fundamental rights. These are in particular Article 1(3) (rule of law and democratic State), Article 4 (primacy of international human rights treaties), Article 16 (equality before the law), Article 32 (freedom of opinion and expression), Article 40 (freedom of assembly), Article 41 (freedom of association and political parties) and Article 38 (right to vote and to be elected). Procedural guarantees under Articles 20 and 26 (access to justice and right of defence) and Article 23 (legal certainty) are also relevant for assessing amendments introducing new offences, sanctions, accelerated procedures, or expanded powers for authorities.