C C C an improved co-ordination between the various international, regional and non-governmental organisations involved in election monitoring; enhanced election monitoring preparations and procedures, including the production of a handbook for election monitors; the assessment of conditions for a free and independent functioning of the media. II. THE CHALLENGE OF LONG-TERM ELECTION OBSERVATION In recent years, the observation of election and referenda has emerged as an important task in support of democratic transition and universal human rights. In the OSCE region, election observation continues to be an invaluable service provided among participating States to promote democratic elections in accordance with the commitments of the Copenhagen Document. ODIHR’s enhanced mandate for long-term observation is the result of the increasing realisation that an informed assessment of an election process cannot be made on the basis of election day observations only. Observers must take into account the various stages of the election cycle, from the registration of voters and the commencement of the campaign through to the final voting and counting stages. The electoral process has to be seen as a film rather than an instant photo. 1. Conditions for Long-Term Observation All invitations to observe elections will receive full consideration, but all invitations need not necessarily be taken up by ODIHR. ODIHR reiterates that the mere presence of observers does not legitimise an election process. It is the observers methodology and the resulting conclusions that will form the basis of opinion on the election. In order to make this assessment, the ODIHR expects assurances from the inviting government that observers will be able to: C C C C C C obtain information regarding the election process from electoral authorities at all levels; meet representatives of all parties and individuals randomly selected; travel in all regions of the country during the election campaign; have unimpeded access to polling sites and counting centres throughout the country; authority to issue public statements, enjoy the privileges and immunities of members of OSCE missions (decision of the 4th CSCE Council Meeting, Rome, 1993) 2. Operational Structure The operational structure needed to implement long-term observation missions is based on three closely coordinated components: The ODIHR Election Unit in Warsaw; Long-Term Observers (LTO) and ShortTerm Observers (STO) The ODIHR Elections Unit The Election Unit serves as the ODIHR focal point for election related matters. It is charged with both monitoring and supporting compliance with the election related Commitments of the Copenhagen Documents and serves as: a point of contact for information on elections; the liaison between observers and host countries; and the co-ordinating and support office for observers missions. 28 OSCE ODIHR Bulletin Vol. 4 No. 3