21 B. Nomination The nomination process is set out in each treaty and begins at least four months before the election, when the Secretary-General sends a letter to States parties to the treaty inviting them to nominate candidates. At this stage, States begin their national selection of candidates. This process is very important. A good national nomination process ensures that the best candidates are able to seek election; and the better the pool of candidates, the higher the calibre of members of a treaty body. Figure II sets out the nomination process. Figure II: The nomination process At least four months before the elections Secretary-General addresses a letter to States parties inviting nominations Updated information is posted on the treaty body’s election web page After receipt of the Secretary-General’s letter States parties seek candidates for nomination Two months after the Secretary-General’s letter Secretariat prepares a list of candidates and nominating States Before the elections Secretariat places the list of candidates on the website The treaties do not set out a specific process that States should follow when nominating candidates. Box 2 describes an example of good practice. The High Commissioner for Human Rights has encouraged States parties to consider the following principles when nominating experts:10 ✔✔ Rely on an open and transparent selection process; ✔✔ Consider candidates with a proven record of expertise in the relevant area (for example, through relevant work experience, publications and other achievements); ✔✔ Consider candidates who are willing to take on the full range of responsibilities of a treaty body member; 10 A/66/860, sect. 4.4.2.