ELECTIONS Ballots counted in Storogenets following the early presidential election in Ukraine, 25 May. Michael Forster Rothbart Republic and Moldova, respectively. These covered broad issues of electoral legislation, as well as the thematic issue of political party and campaign ­finance. In addition, ODIHR prepared one opinion on aspects of campaign finance in Latvia. Training of Observers While OSCE participating States assume the primary responsibility for training seconded observers deployed to election observation missions, ODIHR continues to support such efforts. Through continuing extra-budgetary contributions, ODIHR has been able to offer comprehensive training to ensure potential observers are prepared to undertake professional election observation. In 2014, ODIHR hosted one training course for long-term observers, in Belgrade, and one for shortterm observers, in Tirana. These courses served to broaden the pool of potential observers from participating States that do not regularly send election observers and that are eligible under the Fund for Diversification. In total, 30 potential long-term and 36 short-term observers from 18 participating States benefitted from training this year. Beyond conducting its own training, ODIHR regularly supports a range of national efforts to train election observers. Throughout 2014, ODIHR contributed to courses organized by the German Centre for International Peace Operations, the Russian Diplomatic Academy, the Austrian Study Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution, the Prague Security Studies Institute and Electoral Reform International Services. ODIHR also supported OSCE field operations in Albania and Kazakhstan in their efforts to provide training on electoral observation to a range of national stakeholders. ODIHR has recognized the growing relevance of Internet learning and has responded by making its election observation methodology available online. In 2014, ODIHR continued to offer an e-learning course for short-term observers in English and Russian. Launched in 2012, the course remains popular with a wide-range of participants from both government and civil society involved in elections. By the end of 2014, more than 4,500 participants had enrolled in the course, with more than 1,300 having completed it. Participants have come from 128 countries, including 51 OSCE participating States and 10 OSCE Partners for Co-operation. ODIHR Annual Report 2014 19

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