Elections Voters cast their ballots in Golubovci during parliamentary elections in URDUR GUNNARSDOTTIR Montenegro, 10 September. In the United Kingdom, the ODIHR provided expert advice on reforming legislation on the rights of election observers. In another case, ODIHR experts participated in a conference on improving the election process in Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, and Serbia. V. Observer training The ODIHR makes great efforts to implement its election observation methodology with the highest possible professional standards. While it is primarily the responsibility of OSCE participating States to provide the ODIHR with trained and experienced observers, the ODIHR has started to assist them by providing observer training. In 2006, the ODIHR followed a twotrack approach to observer training that included: (1) the launch of a new extra-budgetary programme on training election observers; and (2) the provision of continued ad hoc support to national training centres. The training programme assists participating States in their efforts to train observers and increases the level of professionalism of interna- tional observers taking part in ODIHR election missions. Training teaches observers necessary skills and underscores the need for a common approach in implementing the ODIHR’s election observation methodology. As an initial step, the programme has focused on training short-term observers, but it could be expanded in the future. The ODIHR conducted its first training course for short-term election observers in November. It was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, in co-operation with the Training Section of the OSCE Secretariat and the OSCE Academy. Participants came from foreign ministries, non-governmental organizations, and central election commissions from 15 participating States. The ODIHR intends to conduct two more training courses in 2007, contingent upon extra-budgetary funding. The ODIHR recognizes the national efforts made by some participating States to offer indepth training to their observers before deployment to the field. In addition to the extra-budgetary programme for training election observ- Annual Report  17