delimitation processes, which include:12 i. Representativeness: Boundaries must create an opportunity for the electorate to elect candidates they feel truly represent their interests. Boundaries must coincide with communities of interest as much as possible; administrative boundaries, or physical features such as mountains, or “communities” that share a common race, ethnic or tribal background, or same religion or language. Such, factors when taken into account could enable the chosen representatives to serve the constituency well. ii. Equality of voting strength: Districts must be relatively equal in population with equally weighted votes to prevent "malapportionment" with voters able to cast votes of equal weight. According to the UN Committee on Human Rights (UNCHR)13 the principle of one person, one vote must apply. The vote of one elector should be equal to other elector’s vote. Boundaries must not distort the distribution of voters or discriminate against any group and should not exclude or unreasonably restrict the right of citizens to choose their representatives freely. iii. Independent, impartial boundary authority (or, at a minimum, reciprocity): Persons or institutions responsible for drawing electoral boundaries must be independent and impartial. Recommendations of a boundary authority should not be subject to modification or veto by government officials or legislature. There must be clear rules, and reciprocity must apply. If procedures are in place to address political party concerns, these concerns must be equally weighted with no bias. Rules must be clearly understood and acceptable to all major political parties and participants. iv. Transparency: The process must be as transparent as possible. Methodology and guidelines should be clearly established and publicised in advance. Incorporating public hearings into the process, to allow stakeholders to input for further consideration by the relevant authority, is important. v. Non-discrimination: Boundaries must not result in discrimination against any 12 Available at <http://ifes.org/sites/default/files/4_ifes_challenging_election_norms_and_standards_wp_bnd el.pdf> 13 UN Committee on Human Rights, General Comment 25, “The Right to Participate in Public Affairs, Voting Rights and the Right to Equal Access to Public Service”) 8|Page