ELECTIONS  //  11 ODIHR continued to support democratic processes across the OSCE region by observing elections and referendums in 20 participating States. In doing so, ODIHR published over 60 reports that comprehensively assessed electoral processes against OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards, and provided recommendations to participating States on where they can improve the transparency and quality of their elections. The Office supported 16 participating States in their efforts to implement ODIHR’s electoral recommendations by providing technical expertise during country visits or reviewing proposed amendments to electoral legislation. This included the launch of a dedicated three-year project to support the follow-up of recommendations in the Western Balkans. ODIHR also strengthened its methodology by training election observers from across the OSCE region and publishing two new resources: Guidelines for Public Security Providers in Elections and the Handbook on Observing and Promoting the Electoral Participation of Persons with Disabilities. ACTIVITIES The findings and recommendations of election observation reports provide a valuable basis for many of the Office’s other programmes, as well as those of other OSCE institutions and field operations. In 2017, ODIHR’s election-related activities focused on observing elections, supporting participating States in the follow-up of