A/HRC/27/29 vote in a referendum or in a popular assembly with a decision-making mandate or participating in public affairs as an elected representative. Indirect participation refers to the election of freely chosen representatives in genuine, periodic elections based on universal suffrage and held by secret ballot, as well as influencing decision-making through public debate, within civil society organizations or through dialogue with elected representatives. 12. The Human Rights Committee has interpreted the obligations of States parties under article 25 (b) as requiring that positive measures be taken to ensure the full, effective and equal enjoyment of electoral rights as well as the freedoms of expression, information, assembly and association which are “essential conditions for the effective exercise of the right to vote and must be fully protected”.5 13. Human rights mechanisms have emphasized that appropriate steps must be taken by Governments to promote and protect voting rights without any discrimination. These measures may include the facilitation of voter registration and the provision of electoral information and voting papers in a range of accessible formats and languages.6 Steps should also be taken to ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities, people with reduced mobility and people with limited freedom of movement are taken into account in the design and implementation of voting systems.7 Administrative restrictions, such as proof of residence or identity documentation requirements that might directly or indirectly prevent certain groups of citizens from exercising voting rights, should be removed.8 14. With regard to the implementation of the equal right and opportunity to stand for public office, which ensures that electors have a free choice of candidates, the Human Rights Committee has noted that “[a]ny restrictions on the right to stand for election, such as minimum age, must be justifiable on objective and reasonable criteria”.9 Positive measures must be taken by States to ensure that the criteria for candidacy are reasonable and non-discriminatory. Discrimination against eligible candidates for public office on grounds such as education, residence or descent or political affiliation is prohibited.10 15. In some contexts, candidates for elective office may face discrimination, including harassment and violations of rights to freedom of assembly and association, violence and even criminal law sanctions. These forms of discrimination have been observed in relation to candidates for elective office who advocate for the rights of women, trade unions, minorities, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons and other marginalized groups (see A/HRC/23/50, paras. 64–65, and A/HRC/26/29). 16. Any abusive or discriminatory interference with the registration of voters or candidates for public office and other elements of the electoral process should be prohibited by criminal law.11 Effective access to justice and appropriate remedies should also be guaranteed for people who have been deprived of their political rights.12 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Human Rights Committee, General Comment No. 25, paras. 12, 26 and 27. Ibid., paras 11–12 and 20. Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, General Comment No. 1. Human Rights Committee, General Comment No. 25, para. 11. Ibid., para. 15. Ibid. Ibid., para. 11. Ibid., paras. 10–13. 5