more specific and detailed guidance on best practices for observation of this fundamental element of an election process would strengthen the Office’s observation methodology. In December, the ODIHR convened an expert meeting that discussed the drafting of guidelines for the observation of the voter registration process. The meeting concluded that, while voter registration is critical to ensuring universal and equal suffrage, it is a complex exercise that can present challenges to election observers. Guidelines should facilitate the necessary understanding of complex issues and guide election observers in their assessment of voter registration. A larger meeting is planned for 2007 that will include a broader range of participants to discuss draft guidelines. The ODIHR also drafted a detailed handbook for long-term observers last year that provides a comprehensive overview of their responsibilities and role in observation missions. Due to be published in 2007, the handbook will offer longterm observers the benefit of ODIHR experience in order to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and a common approach. The Office also began updating two of its existing publications. A revised edition of the Handbook to Assist National Minority Participation in the Electoral Process will provide new content on issues pertaining to jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights and to interpretations by the Advisory Committee of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, as well as on the concept of dual voting. A new edition of the Guidelines for Reviewing a Legal Framework for Elections will take account of relevant international developments, including those stemming from the case law of the European Court of Human Rights. It will contain an expanded discussion on the subjects of districting and equal suffrage, national minorities, gender, voting by internally displaced persons, and the protection of electoral rights. It will also provide guidance on how to review laws related to the use of new voting technologies. URDUR GUNNARSDOTTIR Elections Supporting domestic non-partisan election The chairwoman of a polling observation station in Riga speaks to International and domestic election observation are distinct but complementary activities. Domestic election observation, as conducted by both partisan and non-partisan observers, helps to ensure transparency, accountability, and public confidence. The ODIHR has supported capacity-building efforts and promoted exchange of experience and best practice among domestic observers since 2001. Given that methodologies and means of implementation may vary, considerable benefit can be gained from exchanges of experience among domestic observer groups in the OSCE region, ultimately leading to a more standardized approach. In October, the Office convened an informal expert roundtable on current election issues where non-partisan domestic election observers were able to share their experiences and discuss ODIHR election observers during parliamentary elections in Latvia in October. “[The Ministerial Council] tasks the ODIHR to consider ways to improve the effectiveness of its assistance to participating States in following up recommendations made in ODIHR election-observation reports and inform the Permanent Council on progress made in fulfilling this task.” — Maastricht Ministerial Council, 2003 Annual Report  15