Rule 26Adoption of decisions 1. The SPT shall endeavour to reach all of its decisions by consensus. If a consensus cannot be reached, decisions of the SPT shall be put to a vote and made by a simple majority vote of the members present and voting. 2.Each member of the SPT shall have one vote. 3.The SPT may adopt decisions by e-mail in accordance with the established set of procedures. Rule 27Working groups and Rapporteurs The SPT may appoint Rapporteurs and set up ad hoc working groups comprising a limited number of its members. The terms of reference of such rapporteurships and working groups shall be defined by the SPT. Rule 28Independence of members 1.The members of the SPT shall serve in their personal capacity and shall not only be independent and impartial, but shall also be seen to be so by a reasonable observer. To this end, SPT members shall conduct themselves in accordance with the Guidelines on the independence and impartiality of members of the human rights treaty bodies (“the Addis Ababa guidelines”), in particular: (a)No member of the SPT shall participate in activities which may imply, or may be seen to imply, a conflict of interest with her or his capacity as an independent and impartial member of the SPT; (b) Members of the SPT shall avoid any action which might give the impression that any given State is receiving treatment which is more favourable or less favourable than that accorded to other States; (c)Members of the SPT holding multiple nationalities shall inform, on their own initiative, the Chairperson of the SPT and its secretariat thereof. 2.(a)No member of the SPT shall participate in the conduct of a visit or involve themselves in the consideration of the report on the visit to the State party in respect of the nationality of which she or he was elected, of the State party which nominated her or him, or of any other nationality which she or he holds; (b)No member of the SPT shall participate in the preparation of or follow-up to a country visit or inquiry or the consideration of ensuing reports, if any real or perceived conflict of interest is present. 3. If for any reason a member of the SPT considers that she or he is facing a potential conflict of interest, she or he shall promptly inform the Chairperson of the SPT who shall advise on the potential conflict of interest taking into account the Addis Ababa guidelines. Ultimately, the SPT as a whole shall take all measures necessary to safeguard the requirements of independence and impartiality of its members. X.Co-operation with United Nations organs and mechanisms and other international, regional and national institutions or organizations Rule 29Consultation with other bodies 1.The SPT may invite relevant bodies to submit, or may receive, for consideration information, documentation and written statements on such matters as covered by the Optional Protocol that fall within the scope of its activities. 2.In accordance with article 31 of the Optional Protocol, the SPT may consult with bodies established under regional conventions with a view to cooperating with them and avoiding duplication, in order to promote effectively the objectives of the Optional Protocol. Part twoRules concerning national preventive mechanisms Rule 30Relationship with national preventive mechanisms 1.The SPT shall advise and assist States parties, when necessary, in the establishment of national preventive mechanisms. It shall maintain direct, and if necessary confidential, contact with them, which includes the right to receive information from and meet with them, in accordance with articles 11 and 20 (f) of the Optional Protocol. 2.The SPT shall offer the national preventive mechanisms training and technical assistance with a view to strengthening their capacities. 3.The SPT shall advise and assist the national preventive mechanisms in the evaluation of their needs and the means necessary to strengthen the protection of persons deprived of their liberty against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. 4.The SPT shall make recommendations and observations to the States parties with a view to strengthening the capacity and the mandate of the national preventive mechanisms for the prevention against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment of persons deprived of their liberty.