A/79/151 identity, is a core responsibility of election management bodies, which can ensure more inclusive, transparent and credible electoral processes. 30. In addition to the review and necessary revision of regulations and guidelines to ensure protection against discrimination and violence against LGBT persons in electoral processes, election management bodies can take additional steps to make meaningful participation a reality. Such bodies should invest in training election officials on non-discrimination. Several submissions noted good practice in that regard. 99 In a report, UNDP noted examples of good practice that included training staff, political parties and voters alike, on both general issues of anti -discrimination and specifics such as interaction with LGBT persons and voter identification. 100 31. Election management bodies may also proactively ensure the provision of voter information directed at LGBT people. This stands out as a good practice in some countries, such as Guatemala, Nepal, Pakistan and Peru. 101 Such voter information and outreach campaigns demonstrate that the election management body is invested in protecting the interests of marginalized communities while promoting the visibility of LGBT persons and sending a clear signal of their equal standi ng in the electoral process. Such steps highlight the unique responsibility of election management bodies in overseeing and promoting both the legality and the broad public legitimacy of the electoral process. 32. Election management bodies may consider developing internal policies aimed at promoting the participation of LGBT persons as election officials and employees. In its report, UNDP noted several positive examples in that regard, such as the protocol to ensure the equal rights of trans electoral staff in Mexico. 102 In hostile settings, LGBT persons may be reluctant to take on leading and political functions in election management bodies that presuppose certain exposure, and also may not have the opportunity to access these positions due to widespread stereotypes and discrimination. 103 In turn, the lack of highly visible LGBT persons in positions of public authority can be understood to further delegitimize their civic potential and standing in the polity. VI. Election campaign framework 33. As the public face of electioneering, campaigning provides the space for candidates to express competing political views. It is often the time when political rhetoric is reshaped (and often radicalized) in the quest for voters’ support. 104 In its report, the UNDP notes that “active repression of sexual and gender minorities by governments also seems to be associated with political dynamics”, observing the practice of “scapegoating a socially despised minority as a way to consolidate power, to justify conservative policies, and to distract from other issues”. 105 As noted in one submission, “Anti-LGBTQI+ sentiment is a powerful way to distract the population, __________________ 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 24-12964 Submission by the Centro de Promoción y Defensa de los Derechos Sexuales y Reproductivos, p. 4. The importance of training of government officials was especially highlighted in a submission by Uruguay. See European Union, Election Observation Mission: El Salvador 2019 –Final Report, p. 23. Rodríguez, Building Inclusive Democracies, sect. 3.1.4. Ibid., sect. 3.2.1.4. Ibid., sect. 3.1.1. Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, Gender, Diversity and Justice: Overview and Recommendations (Warsaw, 2019), p. 15. European Union, Election Observation Mission to Guatemala 2023: Final Report (2023), p. 28. Jeffrey O’Malley and Andreas Holzinger, The Sustainable Development Goals: Sexual and Gender Minorities, p. 73. 13/25