Elections pa rt II Maastricht 2003 (OSCE Strategy to Address Threats to Security and Stability in the Twenty-First Century) 36. (…) Based on its human dimension commitments, the OSCE strives to promote conditions throughout its region in which all can fully enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms under the protection of effective democratic institutions, due judicial process and the rule of law. This includes secure environments and institutions for peaceful debate and expression of interests by all individuals and groups of society. Civil society has an important role to play in this regard, and the OSCE will continue to support and help strengthen civil society organizations. Maastricht 2003 (OSCE Strategy Document for the Economic and Environmental Dimension) 2.2.1 Good public and corporate governance and strong institutions are essential foundations for a sound economy, which can attract investments, and thereby enable States to reduce poverty and inequality, to increase social integration and opportunities for all and to protect the environment. Good governance at all levels contributes to prosperity, stability and security. Peace, good international relations, the security and stability of the State and the security and safety of the individual within the State, based on the rule of law and respect for human rights, are crucial for the creation of the climate of confidence which is essential to ensure positive economic and social development. 2.2.2 Good governance is of critical importance for all the participating States, and we are agreed to work on a national basis, with the support of relevant international institutions, to strengthen good governance in all its aspects and to develop methods of cooperation to assist each other in achieving it. 2.2.3 Achieving good governance requires a comprehensive and long-term strategic approach, so that successes in one area are not undermined by weaknesses in others. We will co-operate in the development of our strategies for good governance and will share experience regarding best practices. 2.2 Elections See also: á Part I. 2.3.4 A: The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Copenhagen 1990 (5) [The participating States] solemnly declare that among those elements of justice which are essential to the full expression of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all human beings are the following: (5.1) - free elections that will be held at reasonable intervals by secret ballot or by equivalent free voting procedure, under conditions which ensure in practice the free expression of the opinion of the electors in the choice of their representatives; OSCE Human Dimension Commitments 77