Elections ODIHR launched the Handbook on Media Monitoring for Election Observation Missions and the Handbook for the Observation of Voter Registration in Vienna on 13 July 2012. (OSCE) importance. In 2012, ODIHR published a Handbook for the Observation of Voter Registration and a Handbook on Media Monitoring for Election Observation Missions. The Handbook on Observation of Voter Registration provides guidance on how to approach voter registration as part of the overall observation of an election. While ODIHR has included voter registration in its general methodology for observing elections, this handbook provides a more systematic and comprehensive approach to observing this critical part of the election process. The Handbook on Media Monitoring for Election Observation Missions provides a succinct explanation of the media-monitoring methodology used by ODIHR in its election observation activities. This handbook includes a set of guidelines for the coverage of election 10 ODIHR Annual Report 2012 campaigns by public and private media outlets, particularly broadcast and print, but also touching upon those related to the Internet and other new media. The final part of this publication includes some basic information on technical aspects of media monitoring, explaining the specific role of the media analyst in ODIHR observation missions. Activities Observation missions are the most publicized part of ODIHR’s election mandate. The findings and recommendations in election observation reports provide valuable input for the Office’s other programmes, as well as for the activities of other OSCE institutions and field operations, in promoting democratic processes. In 2012, ODIHR’s activities in the field of elections continued to focus on the following areas: II Election observation; II Follow-up to observation missions and their recommendations; II Reform of electoral legislation; II Development of election observation methodology; II Training of observers; and II Support for OSCE Partners for Co-operation. Election observation The aim of ODIHR’s electionrelated activities is to assess the efforts of OSCE participating States in conducting their elections in line with OSCE commitments and to offer recommendations to participating States on how to bring their elections in line with the ­relevant commitments. As part of the Office’s well-established election observation methodology, an