Promo-Lex advises MPs to identify other solutions for simplify student voting

The nongovernmental association Promo-Lex is concerned about the amendments to Article 84 of the Election Code passed by Parliament in first reading on September 9 and urges the lawmakers to identify other legislative solutions that would be nondiscriminatory, systemic and universal. The amendments allow the students to vote in the settlements where they study, without having the place of residence or domicile there. They should only present the identity card, the student card and a statement in which they pledge not to vote at another polling place, Info-Prim Neo reports. According to Promo-Lex, these amendments simplify the voting procedure for students, but do not address the possible consequences. They create discriminatory conditions for other categories that are in a similar situation such as the students studying for a Master's Degree, persons working on building sites or other persons who do not have permanent domicile in large towns. Also, the students will vote under additional lists and this will increase distrust in the quality of the electoral rolls. There might be cases of multiple voting that could not be checked. Promo-Lex advises the MPs to look for other solutions for simplifying student voting. One of them could be to extend the term during which the students must announce the new voting place by 20 days. Under the legislation, this term is now limited to the first 15 days of the election campaign.