56 IRI/NDI Zimbabwe International Election Observation Mission Final Report transparent manner, verify the provisional results in real-time and release results in a timely fashion according to international standards.87 This should be complemented by political party and non-partisan observation of the results tabulation process. The ZEC should also establish clear procedures to permit transmission of polling site forms directly to Harare and publish polling station-level results for all elections, including the publication of V11 and V23a/b forms for presidential elections. Due Process Foster an independent judiciary that endeavors to adjudicate fairly and justly through due process of law. To combat perceptions of political bias, the judiciary should implement reforms in line with the Bangalore Principles adopted in 2002. These principles provide standards for ethical conduct for judges and guidance to courts in developing frameworks for regulating judicial conduct. Electoral petitions should be fully adjudicated (including all appeals) in a timely fashion with written explanations of court decisions. Establish time limits for the adjudication of pre-election petitions and a framework for proceedings that are filed at the High Court and Electoral Courts for judgments to be rendered before Election Day and to ensure that allegations of electoral malpractice are investigated promptly, thoroughly, and effectively. Complaints Mechanisms Prosecute perpetrators of violence and other forms of political coercion. This includes the individuals responsible for the August 1 shootings of protesters. The chief of police should be required to report on the steps taken to ensure that full investigations are conducted in response to complaints of politically motivated violence, threats, and acts of retribution. Activate the provisions for an Independent Complaints Mechanism as enshrined in the Constitution to allow citizens to have a pathway for recourse if affected by the unprofessional conduct of the security services. Strengthen the Electoral Act to provide effective complaints mechanisms. This should enable citizens and civil society organizations to file petitions with the ZEC challenging the results of the elections and administrative complaints beyond voter registration issues, in accordance with regional and international conventions on citizens’ right to effective remedy.88 Media Eliminate laws that impede constitutionally protected freedoms. Relevant bodies should initiate legal reforms to eliminate laws such as the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) and the Public Order and Security Act (POSA) that contravene the provisions in the 2013 Constitution guaranteeing freedom of expression and assembly, free media, and access to information.89 Foster a diverse, independent media environment representing a variety of political perspectives. To fulfill Section 160J of Zimbabwe’s Electoral Act, which states that broadcasters and print publishers must ensure that all political parties and candidates are afforded equal media coverage during an election period, adequate media monitoring and enforcement mechanisms 87 ICCPR GC 25, Article 20 ICCPR Article 2(3)(a); African Union Declaration on the Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa, IV, 6 89 Constitution of Zimbabwe 2013, s.61 and s.62. 88