Elections The ODIHR’s activities in the area of election observation have two principal objectives: (1) to assess to what degree a particular electoral process meets OSCE commitments and other international standards for democratic elections, and whether it is conducted in compliance with national legislation, which should reflect OSCE commitments; and (2) to offer recommendations, where necessary, to support governments in implementing improvements for future elections. The importance of this second point should not be understated, as the purpose of election observation is not simply to commend those countries that conduct their elections well or to criticize those countries that fall short of meeting their commitments. Instead, the purpose is to offer proactive and constructive input, whereby the ODIHR not only calls attention to specific areas for possible improvement but also makes recommendations and provides assistance to rectify any shortcomings. Election observation has thus become an effective and invaluable service that is provided among OSCE participating States to enhance the integrity of electoral processes. In order to meet these requirements, the Office has built its observation on a systematic, comprehensive, and verifiable methodology, encompassing all elements of the overall OSCE/URDUR GUNNARSDOTTIR I. Election observation electoral process (see pp. 13-15). More than 3,400 observers were deployed to eight election observation missions and two assessment missions in 2005. In addition, 113 short-term and 19 long-term observers were financed through the ODIHR’s voluntary Fund for the Diversification of Observation Missions, which was established to ensure more participation of nationals from 19 eligible participating Voters in the 4 December presidential election in Kazakhstan before casting their ballots in the capital, Astana. Election Observation and Assessment Mission Schedule Country Type of Election Date Kyrgyzstan Parliamentary 27 February/13 March Tajikistan Parliamentary 27 February/13 March Moldova Parliamentary 6 March Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Municipal 13 March/27 March/10 April United Kingdom General 5 May Bulgaria Parliamentary 25 June Albania Parliamentary 3 July/21 August Kyrgyzstan Early presidential 10 July Azerbaijan Parliamentary 6 November Kazakhstan Presidential 4 December ANNUAL REPORT 2005 11