1.6 Strengthening the observation of election dispute resolution All citizens have the right to participate in government, directly or by ­representatives chosen through genuine democratic ­elections. However, conflicts can arise even in the most democratic electoral process. OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards not only guarantee electoral rights, but in such cases also provide guidance when electoral disputes occur. The rules and procedures in place for any given election should allow voters to challenge violations through an effective system of election dispute resolution that addresses their concerns within reasonable deadlines and takes into consideration due process guarantees. Ensuring access to legal redress during the electoral process is important to increase public trust in elections, contribute to the legitimacy of the government, and protect voters’ rights. ODIHR’s most visible flagship activity continues to be observation and assessment of elections throughout the region. In 2019, ODIHR observed 15 elections and provided comprehensive assessments and recommendations on where states could improve their elections. ODIHR’s election observation methodology takes a comprehensive, long-term view of electoral processes, and electoral dispute resolution is a critical element of this. While assessment of election-related complaints and appeals procedures was already contained in ODIHR’s general election observation manuals, in 2019 the Office issued a new publication, the Handbook for the Observation of Election Dispute Resolution. This consolidates and 20 DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE OSCE refines established practice for observing election dispute resolution. It informs and provides guidance to ODIHR observers, as well as other international and citizen observer organizations, about essential principles and international good practice related to the handling of electoral disputes. The handbook applies to all formats of ODIHR observation activity, from full-scale Election ­Observation Missions that follow the entire election process, to Election Expert Teams, which generally only examine selected aspects of an election. It combines explanations of the guiding principles and international standards for election dispute resolution with practical advice for observers on how to assess the handling of such disputes.