as exposed by the lack of inclusiveness, participation and transparency of its reform process (iii). Composition of the electoral body 130. On the specific issue of its composition, the Applicants aver that the independence and impartiality of the electoral body is undermined due to the inappropriate presence of certain categories of its members, the inadequate appointment process of its members and the imbalance of its composition. 131. The Applicants make reference to Articles 5, 15, 16, and 17 of the impugned law on the recomposition of the IEC. 132. Article 5 of the impugned law, as amended by Order N° 2020-306 of 4 March 2020, provides that: The Independent Electoral Commission shall be composed of permanent and non- permanent members. The Independent Electoral Commission shall comprise a Central Commission and Local Commissions at the regional, departmental, communal and sub-prefectural levels. The members of the Central Commission shall be: - one personality proposed by the President of the Republic; - one personality proposed by the Minister in charge of Territorial Administration; - six personalities proposed by civil society, including one Lawyer appointed by the Bar, one personality proposed by the National Human Rights Council and four personalities proposed by Civil Society Organisations; - one Magistrate proposed by the Higher Judicial Council; - three personalities proposed by the party or political group in power; - four personalities proposed by opposition political parties or political groups. The members of the Central Commission shall be appointed by a Council of Ministers’ decree for a period of six years. 28

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