108 CHAPTER 12 INDEPENDENT COMMISSIONS SUPPORTING DEMOCRACY PART 1 GENERAL 12.1 Independent Commissions The following are the independent Commissions— (a) the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission; (b) the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission; (c) the Zimbabwe Gender Commission; (d) the Zimbabwe Media Commission; and (e) the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission. 12.2 Objectives of independent Commissions The independent Commissions have the following general objectives in addition to those given to them individually— (a) to support and entrench human rights and democracy; (b) to protect the sovereignty and interests of the people; (c) to promote constitutionalism; (d) to promote transparency and accountability in public institutions; (e) to secure the observance of democratic values and principles by the State and all institutions and agencies of government, and government-controlled entities; and (f) to ensure that injustices are remedied. 12.3 Staff of independent Commissions The independent Commissions have power to employ staff and, subject to the law, to regulate their conditions of service. 12.4 Independence of Commissions (1) The independent Commissions— (a) are independent and are not subject to the direction or control of anyone; (b) must act in accordance with this Constitution; and (c) must exercise their functions without fear, favour or prejudice; although they are accountable to Parliament for the efficient performance of their functions.