A 'FREE' and 'FAIR' electoral process is one where fundamental human rights and freedoms are respected, including:

  • freedom of speech and expression by electors, parties, candidates and the media;
  • freedom of association; that is, freedom to form organizations such as political parties and NGOs;
  • freedom of assembly, to hold political rallies and to campaign;
  • freedom of access to and by electors to transmit and receive political and electoral information messages;
  • freedom to register as an elector, a party or a candidate;
  • freedom from violence, intimidation or coercion;
  • freedom of access to the polls by electors, party agents and accredited observers;
  • Freedom to exercise the franchise in secret, and freedom to question, challenge and register complaints or objections without negative repercussions.

The 'playing field' is reasonably level and accessible to all electors, parties and candidates, and includes:

  • An independent, non-partisan electoral organization to administer the process;
  • Guaranteed rights and protection through the constitution and electoral legislation and regulations;
  • Equitable representation of electors provided through the legislation;
  • Clearly defined universal suffrage and secrecy of the vote;
  • Equitable and balanced reporting by the media;
  • Equitable access to financial and material resources for party and candidate campaigning;
  • Equitable opportunities for the electorate to receive political and voter information;
  • Accessible polling places; equitable treatment of electors, candidates and parties by elections officials, the government, the police, the military and the judiciary;
  • An open and transparent ballot counting process, and election process not disrupted by violence, intimidations or coercion.