Elections challenges of observing an electronic voting process and to identify areas in which ODIHR’s election observation methodology could be further developed in this regard. These meetings concluded that key aspects of new voting technologies should be observable, and that such systems should be introduced with appropriate safeguards to better ensure accountability, transparency, and public confidence. As a result, ODIHR has initiated the drafting of a handbook on observing electronic voting that representatives of election administrations, electronic-voting and legal experts, and relevant international organizations have contributed to. The handbook will provide guidance to observers while undertaking observation of new voting technologies applied to electoral processes. “To ensure that the will of the people serves as the basis of the authority of government, the participating States will … guarantee universal and equal suffrage to all adult citizens.” – 1990 Copenhagen Document ODIHR’s handbook for long-term election observers. ODIHR had the opportunity to expand its comparative experience with new technologies during several elections in 2007, including its assessment missions to parliamentary elections in Estonia, presidential elections in France, parliamentary elections in Ireland, parliamentary elections in Belgium, and parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan. At each of these elections, new voting technologies had been considered, partially introduced, or fully introduced as a voting option. Guidelines In recent years, ODIHR has published guidelines and handbooks on a variety of electionrelated subjects that provide detailed guidance for international and domestic observers. As the latest in this series, the Office published a Handbook for Long-term Election Observers in 2007 that provides a comprehensive overview of their responsibilities and role in observation missions. It offers long-term observers 16 Annual Report 2007 the benefit of ODIHR experience in order to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and a common approach. In addition, the Office is finalizing guidelines on media analysis during election observation missions. Furthermore, ODIHR is developing guidelines for the observation of voter registration. Together, voter registration laws and practices are an important aspect of any democratic election, ensuring that the principles of equality and universal suffrage are upheld. Voter registration is a complex exercise that can present challenges to election observers. Guidelines should facilitate the necessary understanding of complex issues and guide election observers in their assessment of voter registration. Although ODIHR has commented extensively on these issues in various election reports, more specific and detailed guidance on best practice for observation of this fundamental element of an election process would strengthen observation methodology. The Office is also updating two of its existing publications. A revised edition of the Handbook to Assist National Minority Participation in the Electoral Process will provide new content on issues pertaining to jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights and to interpretations by the Advisory Committee of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. An update of the Guidelines for Reviewing a Legal Framework for Elections will take account of relevant international developments, including those stemming from the case law of the European Court of Human Rights. It will contain an expanded discussion on the subjects of districting and equal suffrage, national minorities, gender, voting by internally displaced persons, and the protection of electoral rights. It will also provide guidance on how to review laws related to the use of new voting technologies. Supporting domestic non-partisan election observation International and domestic election observation are distinct but complementary activities.