[ Elections ] Elections The 1990 OSCE Copenhagen Document clearly sets out the commitments undertaken by the participating States to ensure democratic elections, and ODIHR is explicitly mandated to assist them in meeting this obligation. As such, elections continued to be a major focus of the Office’s work in 2011. ODIHR fulfils this mandate through the observation or assessment of elections in the OSCE region and by engaging in follow-up activities aimed at fostering the implementation of recommendations contained in reports by its observation missions. While the observation of elections has become its highest-profile activity, ODIHR also works actively in other electionrelated areas, such as reviewing electoral legislation, publishing guidelines and handbooks on election-related issues and contributing to the training of election observers. In response to its specific mandate and tasks, ODIHR has developed a comprehensive methodology for election observation, based on a long-term approach involving an assessment of all key elements of the electoral process. At the core of ODIHR’s election observation methodology is the understanding that elections are not one-day events, and that a comprehensive, in-depth assessment of any election process must examine the whole electoral process, including before, during and after election day. The Office, therefore, focuses systematically on all elements of the electoral process, including the legal framework; the work of the election administration; the conduct of the election campaign; contestants’ access to the media; election-day procedures, including the counting and tabulation of results; and the handling of election-related complaints. ODIHR’s election observation activities cover a broad geographical area: To date, electionrelated activities have taken place in 53 of the 56 OSCE participating States. Encouraging and supporting participating States in the implementation of election-related recommendations made by ODIHR remains one of the Office’s key challenges, and providing effective follow-up on recommendations was one of the main activities in 2011. A number of participating States, seeking to bring their election legislation in line with their OSCE commitments, have benefitted from the Office’s assistance as they have made progress in the conduct of democratic elections. Follow-up activities continue to be closely co-ordinated among ODIHR’s departments and with OSCE field operations to ensure the most efficient provision of support to participating States in complying with their obligations. Main Issues Democratic standards: The commitments contained in the 1990 OSCE Copenhagen Document continue to serve as the basis for ODIHR’s assessment of electoral processes. There has been undeniable progress in conducting elections in line with OSCE commitments, but serious challenges remain or, in some cases, have resurfaced. Improvements have been seen, for instance, in the organization of elections, including in legal and administrative frameworks. These improvements, however, only make a difference if they affect actual practice. ODIHR continues to note and report serious shortcomings in the conduct of elections in a number of OSCE participating States. These shortcomings include, but are not limited to: '' The restriction of fundamental rights and freedoms; 8 ODIHR Annual Report 2011