Elections pa rt II the course of their national election proceedings, to the extent permitted by law. They will also endeavour to facilitate similar access for election proceedings held below the national level. Such observers will undertake not to interfere in the electoral proceedings. Paris 1990 (A New Era of Democracy, Peace and Unity) We affirm that, without discrimination, everyone (…) has the right: (…) to participate in free and fair elections (…) We decide to establish an Office for Free Elections in Warsaw to facilitate contacts and the exchange of information on elections within participating States. Lisbon 1996 (Summit Declaration) 9. (...) Among the acute problems within the human dimension, the continuing violations of human rights, such as (...) electoral fraud (...) continue to endanger stability in the OSCE region. We are committed to continuing to address these problems. Istanbul 1999 (Summit Declaration) 26. With a large number of elections ahead of us, we are committed to these being free and fair, and in accordance with OSCE principles and commitments. This is the only way in which there can be a stable basis for democratic development…we agree to follow up promptly ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations (…) We are committed to secure the full right of persons belonging to minorities to vote and to facilitate the right of refugees to participate in elections held in their countries of origin. We pledge to ensure fair competition among candidates as well as parties, including through their access to the media and respect for the right of assembly. Istanbul 1999 (Charter for European Security: III. Our Common Response) 25. We reaffirm our obligation to conduct free and fair elections in accordance with OSCE commitments, in particular the Copenhagen Document 1990. We recognize the assistance the ODIHR can provide to participating States in developing and implementing electoral legislation. In line with these commitments, we will invite observers to our elections from other participating States, the ODIHR, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and appropriate institutions and organizations that wish to observe our election proceedings (…) Porto 2002 (Decisions: Decision No.7 on Election Commitments) The Ministerial Council, OSCE Human Dimension Commitments 79