Though the multi-level structure of the EC remains a “centralised system of election administration” (Article 17.2), its composition is not as “state-centred” as before. Whereas the Central Election Commission (CEC) used to be completely chosen by the main state organs (President, Parliament, and regional assemblies), the Election Code has introduced a “bottom-up” nomination system modelled on the Mexican CEC (which is undoubtedly the most professional election authority throughout Latin America). According to this modus, the seven CEC-members are elected by Parliament out of a list of 14 candidates exclusively nominated by non-governmental organisations engaging in electoral observation (Article 27). Unlike previously, the Chairperson of the CEC is not elected by the President, but by the CEC among its members in a highly consensual procedure (Article 28). The organs of election authorities at lower levels (District and Precinct Election Commissions) are to be chosen in a “semi-centralised” manner, i.e. partly by the higher EC and partly by the relevant strongest parties at district and precinct levels.
