A/HRC/39/28 studies, have been conducted. Digital innovations may be best introduced as a solution to problems that might hinder the credibility of the process or the acceptance of results, not as an end in itself. 29. The following recommendations should contribute to addressing the obstacles some individuals and groups, in particular women, facing discrimination or marginalization may encounter in the exercise of their right to vote and to stand for election and to ensuring more inclusive electoral processes. Practical recommendations 30. States should develop an effective legal framework for the exercise of electoral rights, including with respect to the electoral system and electoral dispute mechanisms, in compliance with their international human rights obligations and through a non-discriminatory, transparent, gender-responsive and participatory process. 31. States should take proactive measures to strengthen the representation and equal participation of women, and groups that are discriminated against, in electoral processes. These include the following: (a) Where such measures can be shown to be necessary and appropriate, States should introduce and effectively implement quota systems and reserved seats in elected bodies for women and underrepresented groups, after an in-depth assessment of the potential value of different kinds of temporary special measures, including of their possible impact in the particular local context and of potential, unintended side effects; (b) When appropriate, States should adopt other temporary special measures to increase the participation of women, including: training programmes that build their capacity to be candidates; adjustments to campaign finance regulations that level the playing field for women candidates; financial incentives for political parties that achieve preset targets for gender-balance among their nominated or elected candidates; and parental health programmes supporting women’s participation in public and private life; (c) When binding quotas or reserved seats are introduced, effective and transparent mechanisms for monitoring compliance and the imposition of sanctions for non-compliance should be envisaged. 32. Any legal or policy measure to increase the representation of women and groups that are discriminated against should be accompanied by initiatives to challenge discriminatory attitudes and practices, including harmful gender stereotypes, and negative assumptions around the capacity of women, young people, minorities and persons with disabilities to contribute to public affairs. 33. Training for journalists and other media workers should be promoted in order to challenge gender stereotyping and misrepresentation of women in the media, and to sensitize the media and the electorate on the need and benefits of women in leadership positions. 34. Public-service broadcasting and media regulations should provide for equitable opportunity for all candidates to have access to significant airtime and space in the public media during electoral campaigns. 35. Within the confines of their electoral systems, States should ensure equal conditions for independent candidates to stand for elections and not impose unreasonable requirements on their candidacies. 36. States should remove unreasonable barriers to voter registration, including onerous or burdensome administrative requirements for accessing the necessary documentation to exercise the right to vote, particularly for women, minorities, indigenous peoples, those living in remote areas and internally displaced persons. 8