The ECtHR has recognised that States enjoy a margin of appreciation in regulating electoral processes in order to secure their free expression of the opinion of the people under Article 3 of Protocol No. 1. At the same time, the Court has consistently held that political expression and assemblies during election periods enjoy a high level of protection, as they lie at the core of democratic society. Measures that impose sanctions, especially criminal sanctions, may amount to an interference with these rights and must therefore satisfy the requirements of legality, legitimate aim, and proportionality.