ELECTIONS Croatia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. In 2013, the fund enabled the deployment of 27 long-term and 72 shortterm observers. In continued implementation of an OSCE Ministerial Council Decision to improve ODIHR’s work with various bodies active in election observation, the Office maintained close co-operation with parliamentary partners. For a number of elections, ODIHR joined efforts for the observation of electionday proceedings with delegations from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (according to the 1997 Cooperation Agreement), the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the European Parliament and the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. In response to requests, ODIHR provided briefings and input to election-related discussions and events organized by the respective institutions. In addition, ODIHR demonstrated its high interest in collaboration with international partners within the framework of the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation. From 17 to 19 September, ODIHR hosted the 8th Implementation Declaration of Principles Meeting. The meeting opened with a high-level panel on the role of international election observation and recommendations in policy-making. Working sessions focused on the role of election observation in early warning and conflict resolution, and follow-up to recommendations. Discussions in sub-working groups were dedicated to the observation of the use of new voting technologies, campaign finance, the monitoring of gender issues in elections, and the interaction of international observers with citizen observer groups and academia. The meeting brought together more than 60 representatives of the Declaration of Principles signatory organizations. Key Findings of Election-Related Activities Typically, an observed election is characterized both by positive features that promote fundamental rights and freedoms, and practices that challenge principles enshrined in international standards for democratic elections. In its reporting, ODIHR systematically identifies both positive practices and issues of concern. Shortcomings encountered in 2013 included: Undue restrictions of suffrage rights: Concerns were expressed with regulation and practice negatively affecting passive and active voting rights, the disenfranchisement of certain groups, and disproportionate restrictions with respect to residency, citizenship and language, as well as on persons convicted for a crime irrespective of the severity. Insufficient independence of the election administration: The impartiality and independence of the election administration was a matter of concern in some states. In some cases, undue influence from the state or a lack of separation of the election administration from state institutions posed problems. Lack of level playing field: Failure to provide for a level playing field among electoral contestants and the abuse of state resources in favour of incumbents were of concern in some states, particularly when such abuse amounted to intimidation of voters. Instances of vote buying and violent incidents during campaigns were also observed. Restrictive media environment: An overly restrictive legal framework impacting on editorial freedom was observed in some states. Other problems noted related to non-compliance with equal treatment and access requirements, which were partly caused by shortcomings in the law and partly by deficient implementation. The lack of independent media-oversight bodies, weak mandates and poorly functioning institutions were raised as matter of concern in some states. Insufficient oversight of campaign finance: The most common problems in law and practice related to a lack of reporting and disclosure, insufficiently mandated oversight bodies, and a lack of timely deadlines for monitoring and reporting on campaign finance. Lack of timely and effective legal redress: Electoral dispute resolution mechanisms frequently complied only partially with OSCE commitments and other international standards. Weaknesses in legislation included the lack of possibility for affected stakeholders to file complaints related to all aspects of the electoral process, limited means of appeal, and overlapping jurisdictions among different institutions for electoral-dispute resolution. Shortcomings in counting and tabulation processes: In some electoral processes, while voting procedures were respected, there was a tendency for the process to deteriorate during the counting and tabulation of votes, particularly with regard to 16  /   ODIHR Annual Report 2013