Elections Beata Martin-Rozumilowicz, the Head of the ODIHR Elections Department, and Douglas Wake, the First Deputy Director of ODIHR, examine the voters list at a polling station in central Zemun, during Serbia’s parliamentary and early presidential elections, 6 May 2012. (OSCE/Shiv Sharma) election observation process begins with the deployment of a Needs Assessment Mission (NAM). Ideally, it is deployed several months before an election in order to assess the pre-electoral environment. It is the task of the NAM to assess whether an election observation activity is needed and could bring added value to the electoral process. The NAM then identifies and recommends the nature and scope of such an ODIHR activity, based on the needs and the potential value identified in relation to the process. In 2012, ODIHR conducted 17 NAMs throughout the OSCE area. These NAMs consider whether the legal framework for elections is in line with OSCE commitments and to what degree there is public confidence in the election administration and the conduct of elections. They also assess the preparations by the election administration for the upcoming election. Further issues assessed include, whether the framework is adequate in terms of respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, whether the electoral system allows for checks and balances, as well as for effective complaints and appeals. Finally, a NAM also looks at the level of civil society activity and the quality of the media environment. ODIHR makes due effort to send a NAM to every participating State holding an election. Due to limited resources in terms of funding and staff, however, a NAM is not deployed in every case where an election is being held. A NAM may also determine that an observation activity for a particular election is not necessary or feasible and, instead, recommend increased follow-up on previous recommendations or intensified engagement with local actors on electoral-reform issues. ODIHR deployed election-observation activities to elections in 15 participating States in 2012. These missions were guided by two main objectives: first, to assess whether the elections met OSCE commitments and other international standards for democratic elections and were conducted in line with national legislation; and second, to assist the participating State to bring the election further in line with the commitments by offering concrete and concise recommendations to help the participating State improve their elections. As such, election-related activities are effective feedback processes, offering concrete recommendations to identify and help resolve shortcomings. They are not aimed at criticizing or commending those participating States in which ODIHR deploys activities. Fulfilling its mandate in an impartial, professional and accountable manner, ODIHR Annual Report 2012 11