Adopted on 20 July 2015, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa 4.1.3 Ensure that the date or period of elections is prescribed by law. The date or period of elections shall be based upon the legal framework and applicable constitutional provisions; 4.1.4 Take all necessary measures and precautions to prevent corruption, bribery, favouritism, political violence, intolerance and intimidation; 4.1.5 Promote and respect the values of electoral justice which include integrity, impartiality, fairness; professionalism, efficiency and regularity of elections; Promote necessary conditions to foster transparency, freedom of the media; access to information by all citizens; and equal opportunities for all candidates and political parties to use the state media; 4.1.6 4.1.7 Guarantee an environment of open contest with no undue exclusion and restrictions on anyone to vote as well as the right of eligible and qualified citizens to stand as candidates in any election; 4.1.8 Encourage regular reviews of the participation of citizens in the diaspora in national elections; 4.1.9 Uphold and guarantee the impartiality and independence of the Judiciary, the Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) and all other electoral institutions; 4.1.10 Ensure that voter education capacitates and empowers all eligible citizens; as well as fostering ownership of the electoral process and the democratic political system; 4.1.11 Ensure the adherence to a binding Electoral Code of Conduct; 4.2 4.1.12 Ensure the acceptance of the election results by all electoral stakeholders as proclaimed to have been free, fair, transparent, credible and peaceful by the competent and independent national electoral authorities in accordance with the respective laws of the land; 4.1.13 Condemn and reject unconstitutional change of government and nonacceptance of results, after due process, as announced by the legally competent authorities; The Chairperson of the Organ shall bring to the attention of the SADC Summit, any shortcomings in the application of these SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections for the appropriate decision in accordance with the provisions of the SADC Treaty. -5-