6.4 Formulation of Bills The ZHRC, in line with its constitutional function to monitor and assess the human rights situation in the country is a committee member of the Inter-Ministerial Taskforce responsible for monitoring the alignment of laws to the Constitution. In 2016 ZHRC participated in the development of the ZPCS Bill. The process provided ZHRC an opportunity to input into the Bill ensuring that it takes cognisance of relevant provisions of the Constitution, Regional and International human rights standards in ascertaining application of a human rights based approach to the operations of prisons. From the 30th of August to the 2nd of September 2016 ZHRC attended a workshop to enact the Coroner’s Bill, which was held in Mutare. The issues discussed involved setting up of a Coroner’s Office which investigates unexpected and suspicious deaths of persons. In order for the enacted Bill to be rendered effective, stakeholders proposed recommendations that include amongst others; proposal for the appointment of a Chief Coroner who is either from the Legal or Medical fraternity and the need to source funds to operationalise this office. 6.5 Monitoring of Elections ZHRC monitored the By Elections of the Norton House of Assembly Constituency from the 19th to the 23rd of October 2016. ZHRC monitored the human rights situation that was prevailing before, during and after the Norton by election. On Election Day the 22nd of October, ZHRC staff were observers across 15 wards which made up the Norton constituency. The Commission also observed the electoral process during Election Day. All polling stations observed by ZHRC were manned by the requisite staff and were equipped with the required material for the election. The polling stations opened on time at 7am. They were set up in the required manner which allows privacy to the voter. 22 The turnout of voters at the By Election was average in terms of attendance. The findings of the election environment was that it was generally peaceful, although there was one reported incident of political violence. The agents for campaigning candidates confirmed that they were able to conduct their rallies without any intimidation and that the electorate were free to attend. It was noted that ZEC was well prepared for the election, with most polling stations set up on time and materials delivered. The election process was smooth and calm. Some issues of concern on Election Day was the inaccessibility of some polling station especially by the disabled, elderly and the sick (such as those polling stations with stairs and no ramps). ZHRC noted that some voters were turned away at most polling stations due to reasons such as; unregistered voter; not possessing identification documents, attempting to vote in the wrong wards; being a voter registered in other wards and possessing defaced and not original identification cards. ZHRC managed to observe the closure and counting process of two polling stations. Interaction with ZEC officials post-election, indicated that the election result was accepted by all candidates. 6.6. MONITORING OF HUMAN RIGHTS: UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW (UPR) The ZHRC as a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) is responsible for ensuring the promotion and protection of human rights in the country. The establishment and operations of this institution must conform to the United Nations ‘Principles relating to the Status and Functioning of National Institutions for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights’ (commonly referred to as the ‘Paris Principles’). National Human Rights Institutions have a critical role in monitoring the State Party’s compliance with the Treaty body mechanism. The UPR process provides one such opportunity of Protecting, Promoting and Enforcing Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms