It is also just as important to inform and educate the public, as it is to listen to the public. Since 1975, it has been fundamental in the OSCE that human rights begin with an empowerment element based on the “right to know your right”.14 An additional commitment on public confidence could recognize that comprehensive and timely voter information and education is a primary responsibility of the public authorities to ensure participation and full regard for voting rights for all citizens. A consistent point reflected in numerous OSCE/ODIHR reports is the important role that election administration bodies have in creating public confidence in the election process. Elections should be administered by persons who: represent various political interests and segments of society; are capable of acting in a professional, independent and impartial manner; and are knowledgeable (or willing and able to acquire the necessary knowledge) in election administration. Consistent with these fundamental concepts, an additional commitment on public confidence could require that the bodies responsible for the administration of elections are composed of respected and qualified individuals who are appointed according to law, enjoy broad public trust and perform their duties in a professional, impartial and accountable manner. Election observation directly contributes to public confidence. It is important that there be public confidence in the entire election process and not merely that the votes have been counted and reported accurately. Observers, both domestic (partisan and non-partisan) and international (from any other participating State and any appropriate private institution and organization) play an instrumental role in ensuring that relevant information on election processes are made public. An additional commitment on public confidence could require that participating States guarantee full and unimpeded access to all stages of the election process to domestic observers (both partisan and non-partisan) and international election observers. This access should extend beyond observation of national elections. As an additional commitment on observation to enhance public confidence, participating States could invite observers from any other OSCE participating States and any appropriate private institutions and organizations who may wish to do so to observe the course of all electoral proceedings, including local elections and referenda, to the extent permitted by law. Public confidence in elections can be enhanced if positive efforts are made to include civil society and voters in the development of public policy issues related to the participation of citizens in democratic elections. These efforts can include outreach to segments of society that have been under-represented, or face obstacles to full participation in political processes, particularly women and minorities. An additional commitment on public confidence could require member States to encourage and facilitate the active participation of women, as well as persons belonging to minorities, in public life, and to that end, in the election process. 14  Op. cit., note 2. The media can also play an important role in enhancing public confidence by providing relevant information to voters concerning elections. 90 Common Responsibility: Commitments and Implementation