ELECTIONS  : :  Moscow, 18 March 2018. A list of candidates at the entrance to a polling station during the presidential election in Russia. (OSCE/ Thomas Rymer) In 2018, the conduct of elections across the OSCE region revealed a mixed picture. Positively, there was greater attention to the issue of inclusion, especially the participation of women and persons with disabilities, heightened awareness of the opportunities and challenges in using new technologies, and a significant increase in the number of states following up on ODIHR recommendations to strengthen their electoral laws and practice. At the same time, longstanding challenges remained, including concerns about the impartiality of election management bodies and guarantees for fair election campaigns, and there were increasing concerns over the emerging issues of cybersecurity and disinformation during campaigns. Over the year, ODIHR continued to support participating States in their efforts to address these and other challenges to the holding of democratic elections. ODIHR observed 15 elections and 1 referendum and, in doing so, published 54 election-related reports, which provided comprehensive assessments and recommendations on ways states could improve their elections. The Office also intensified its efforts in supporting participating States to address ODIHR’s electoral 9