Elections Voters in Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, cast their ballots in parliamentary elections on OSCE 25 June. amplify election-related commitments, with a focus on principles not expressly stated in the 1990 Copenhagen Document. The ODIHR convened an expert meeting in September to consider the need for additional commitments, which resulted in an Explanatory Note on Possible Additional Commitments for Democratic Elections that was distributed among participating States. In the opinion of the ODIHR, three basic principles that are integral to democratic elections — transparency, accountability, and public confidence — could serve as the basis for additional commitments. This discussion will remain a priority for the ODIHR, which stands ready to assist participating States in furthering this dialogue. Diversification of election observation missions Since the ODIHR established its voluntary Diversification Fund in 2001, some 850 longand short-term observers have had an opportunity to take part in ODIHR observation missions as a result. This has enabled the ODIHR to draw on a rich diversity of experience and ANNUAL REPORT 2005 enhance relations with officials and NGO representatives from 19 OSCE states that may not regularly second observers. Public outreach The ODIHR supports national election observer training efforts as conducted on a regular basis by some OSCE participating States, by sending members of its Election Department to share the ODIHR’s institutional experience. In addition, the ODIHR responds to some requests for ad hoc training, again through the deployment of its staff members and experts. The ODIHR will continue to support such training efforts, and is in the process of further developing its capacity to offer other training opportunities. In addition, the ODIHR is engaged in other outreach initiatives, such as maintaining contacts with other inter-governmental bodies that have sought its experience, including the African Union. 17