Lower electoral commissions are elected by competent authorities by the majority of votes cast. This does not allow equitable representation of ruling parties and opposition, and leads even to excluding opposition from any representation in the electoral commissions. The solution could be to allow political parties to appoint the members of the commissions in a balanced manner. In previous elections, members of lower electoral commissions have frequently been from the same institution, and often in hierarchical employment relationships, compounding the lack of a balance and independence.[17]