A diagnostic tool to detect deeper structural problems How the ODIHR observes elections and helps reforming electoral frameworks. Recognizing the importance of well-conducted elections for a democratic society, the observation of election processes has emerged in recent years as an important task in support of democratic transition and universal human rights. “I see the observation of elections as a diagnostic tool to detect deeper structural problems in a country and as an early warning instrument”, says Hrair Balian, the Head of the ODIHR’s Election Section. “It also provides the opportunity to get in touch with many actors of the society across the country and feel the pulse of the people. This helps to understand better societies in transition and identify areas where the international community can do something.” Europe’s leading election observation agency The ODIHR has evolved over the past decade into the lead agency in the field of election observation in Europe and Central Asia. It has observed more than 100 elections in the OSCE region, and sends thousands of observers to OSCE states every year to assess whether an election is in line with domestic legislation and international commitments. The field operations are co-ordinated by a team of eight election experts based in the Warsaw headquarters. 20 21