“Human rights are best respected in democratic societies, where decisions are taken with maximum transparency and broad participation,” as the OSCE’s participating States recognized over a decade ago. In 2019, ODIHR provided advice and legal expertise to strengthen the institutions and processes that ensure the rule of law and respect for human rights on which all true democracies are based. Elections are a central element of the democratic process, and have been a key area of ODIHR’s work since the Office’s inception. By supporting participating States in improving their electoral practices and following up on ODIHR recommendations, the Office helps to restore waning public trust in the efficacy and value of democratic systems. The following impact stories illustrate the many ways in which ODIHR assisted OSCE participating States in upholding their commitments to guarantee accountable parliaments, an independent judiciary, and genuine democratic elections. ODIHR 2019 9