Elections OSCE/Jens Eschenbaecher Election commission members counting ballots during the 28 September 2008 parliamentary elections in Belarus. “ administrative resources, both material and human, are not abused in support of any particular parties or candidates during election campaigns. kk Inequitable access to media – individual candidates and parties frequently experienced difficulties gaining equitable access to media. This not only denied those running in elections the chance to convey their message to the electorate on an equal basis, but also withholds from voters the information they need to make an informed choice. State-controlled and public media have a special responsibility in this regard. kk Lack of transparency and accountability during the counting and tabulation of votes – non-transparent and even fraudulent procedures were observed during the counting of votes and the tabulation of results in some instances. OSCE commitments require that votes be counted and reported honestly, and that the official results be made public. kk Lack of confidence in bodies administering elections – the work of individuals and institutions responsible for administering elections was not always transparent and free from government interference. To ensure genuinely democratic elections, those administering elections must provide for the effective organization of the vote and perform their duties in an impartial manner, so as to gain and maintain the confidence of parties and individual candidates. kk Inadequate complaints and appeals procedures – the election system did not always ensure the presence of and proper access to effective and [The Ministerial Council] tasks ODIHR to consider ways to improve the effectiveness of its assistance to participating States in following up recommendations made in ODIHR election observation reports and inform the Permanent Council on progress made in fulfilling this task.” – 2003 Maastricht Ministerial Council 14 Annual Report 2008