Election Investigations Guidebook zation. Effective investigation requires clear mandates; competent and professional investigators; systems of accountability; maintenance of a proper chain of evidence; and the ability to act against bad faith, malicious, or negligent complaints. › Principle 4: Ensuring Investigations Are Undertaken by Independent and Impartial Bodies This section examines the principle of independence and impartiality and the different elements that support its realization. Independence and impartiality require that investigators and the investigation process be fair and objective, avoid conflicts of interest, and operate with integrity and incorruptibility. › Index An index is provided to help users navigate the Guidebook and use it as a reference tool. 14