What is the importance of granting access to justice for the rule of law and electoral integrity? What are the key principles for effective, timely and impartial administration of justice? This Policy Brief reviews international standards and best practices in which key principles are applied at the crossroads of elections and human rights. It demonstrates the importance of an effective institutional framework that provides legal redress to protect and effectively exercise rights linked to political participation and representation, as well as the remedies and reparations of those violations. The Electoral Integrity Initiative in brief Elections are the established mechanism for the peaceful arbitration of political rivalry and transfers of power. In practice however, many elections actually prove deeply destabilizing, sometimes triggering conflict and violence. This series of policy briefs is part of the Kofi Annan Foundation’s Electoral Integrity Initiative, which advises countries on how to strengthen the integrity and legitimacy of their electoral processes and avoid election related violence. Looking beyond technical requirements, the Foundation focuses on creating conditions for legitimate elections, making it possible to govern in a climate of trust and transparency. For more information about our ongoing project visit elections.kofiannanfoundation.org P.O.B. 157 | 1211 Geneva 20 | Switzerland Tel: +41 22 919 7520 Fax: +41 22 919 7529 Email: info@kofiannanfoundation.org Towards a fairer, more peaceful world.