draw on in a comparative effort. Other organizations have also provided collections of election-related legislative sources.99 J. The way ahead: further strengthening the ODIHR’s election-related activities 151. The preceding sections of this chapter described the ODIHR’s mandate on election observation, as well as the methodology and practice the ODIHR has developed in implementation of this mandate over the past decade. This is in response to numerous questions received from participating States in the course of preparing the present report. The ODIHR considers that its election-related activities are fully in line with the mandate bestowed upon it by participating States. They have been commended by the OSCE’s highest political bodies and a large majority of participating States on many occasions. This work is consistent with relevant rules and procedures, and delivers an important service to participating States and the international community at large. 152. The ODIHR applies modern concepts of public management that include continuous improvement in order to make the work flow more efficient and transparent, and to take advantage of lessons learned and good practices developed elsewhere. In order to live up to the high expectations of States in this regard, as well as to follow the recommendations imparted by the Panel of Eminent Persons, the following 12 areas have been identified as ways in which the ODIHR’s election-related activities can be further enhanced, and the ODIHR can become more effective in assisting States to live up to their own commitments. The ODIHR is actively pursuing work with regard to further improving its operational activities and performance in accordance with its mandate. The ODIHR’s ongoing efforts can be summarized under 12 headings. I. Make follow-up more effective Election observation is not an end in itself; it is intended to assist OSCE States with the implementation of their commitments. States therefore continue to identify follow-up to the ODIHR’s election-related recommendations as an important concern for stronger attention. In this context, the strengthening of the role of the PC is a key element. Often, the ODIHR’s election reports, including interim reports issued before Election Day, are discussed in the PC under “current issues”. These deliberations are, however, not systematic. An open discussion on concrete follow-up to the ODIHR’s election recommendations should systematically be included in the PC agenda as a distinct agenda item. The 2003 Maastricht Ministerial Council expressly called for such follow-up. In addition, an effective follow-up strategy to ODIHR recommendations could include the following elements: u Publishing and widely disseminating EOM reports to invite public participation in follow-up efforts, including more active participation of domestic observer groups, both partisan and non-partisan; 99  One very comprehensive compilation is available at www.aceproject.org, which provides comprehensive and authoritative information on elections, including relevant legislation, promotes networking among election-related professionals and offers capacity development services. Administration and Cost of Elections Project (ACE) is a joint endeavour of seven partner organizations, all providing targeted technical assistance in elections management. Common Responsibility: Commitments and Implementation 49