A/HRC/4/9/Add.3 page 21 75. The independent expert considers that it is crucial that the Government takes steps to instil in all population groups true confidence that they have genuine, effective participation in decision-making through authentic representatives of their communities. Measures should be taken to guarantee and implement democratic governance, as provided in the Constitution, through free and fair elections in which the legitimate and peaceful rights of all political parties and individuals to stand for election and hold elected office without interference are fully respected. She equally highlights the need for a free and independent media which reflects a plurality of opinions, including those of minority groups and political opposition parties. 76. Prisoners, including those held in detention since the May 2005 elections, must be brought speedily to trial under international standards of fair trial, including in regard to the independence of judges and lawyers, or released if no evidence exists against them. In discussions with the Minister of Justice the independent expert raised questions regarding the appropriateness of charging those who opposed the conduct of the May 2005 elections with “attempted genocide”. The Government states that these charges reflect attempts to organize armed opposition to oust the current Government. Civil society groups consider these charges and government action against opposition as politically motivated, repressive, unlawful and undemocratic. 77. Sources claim that Oromo people are disproportionately represented amongst prison inmates and are often held and convicted based on politically motivated charges. Representatives of the Oromo allege widespread violation of their civil and political rights, including killings and imprisonment of political leaders, journalists and students; restrictions on independent political parties; exclusion of students from universities; and discrimination against Oromo who fail to support the EPRDF ruling party. 78. The independent expert encourages the state and federal Governments to take all possible practical measures to ensure justice and the rule of law, security, and to promote peace and stability in Oromia and all other regions. The Government must fulfil its commitments in this respect under international human rights treaties to which it is voluntarily a party, and under the Constitution. The House of Federation 79. The independent expert consulted with senior administrators of the House of Federation, the upper house of the bicameral Parliament of Ethiopia. It is composed of representatives of nations, nationalities and peoples, each of which can be represented by at least one member. Groups with a population of over 1 million are entitled to one additional member for each million of their population. Members of the House are appointed by state councils, which can directly elect representatives, or can hold elections in order to have representatives elected by the people. In December 2006, it was noted that there were 112 seats in the House of Federation,