Key Issues A discussion between the Commission and independent observers appointed by the EC to monitor the election process saw eight recommendations being offered: • There is a need for the EC to improve the electoral roll. • The size of constituencies should be normalised by ensuring that the discrepancy is limited and not more than 15% of the average constituency in each state. • The EC should be independent of the Prime Minister’s Department and its members should be appointed by, and made accountable to, a permanent and bipartisan Special Parliamentary Committee. • The EC should be accorded the power to recruit its own staff, independent of the civil service. • The role of a caretaker government should be defined and legislated to ensure that duty-bearers are aware of their role, that is, to ensure the smooth day-to-day administration of the country during a general election. • Persons with disabilities should have the same access to election facilities as other voters. • The appointment of election observers should be made a permanent feature in every General Election; the appointment process should be improved and training provided to emphasise best practices from Asia Pacific countries. • All election candidates should have equal access to the Government’s communication channels, which should be non-partisan and unbiased in reporting national matters. All state-owned and government-linked media companies must remain independent in their reporting and cease unsubstantiated attacks against opposition parties. 9. PLACES OF DETENTION From the periodic visits it conducted, the Commission observes that conditions in detention centres generally meet the minimum standards, although there is still room for improvement: 14 • At least one medical practitioner should be stationed to provide healthcare services for both the personnel and detainees, as well as to give advice on appropriate meals for detainees who are ill. • The budget allocated for meals for detainees should be revised from time to time and be standardised for all detention centres. • The Government should address the shortage of human resources in prisons and detention centres toward ensuring effective implementation of rehabilitation programmes for prisoners and detainees.