These guidelines have been developed to assist both governments and the organizations that represent or support national minorities. The assistance is directed towards developing a legislative framework for an electoral system that ensures effective participation by national minorities in public life.
The argument that geographic boundaries of electoral districts should facilitate the equitable representation of national minorities is put forward.

The guidelines were developed by the ODIHR in conjunction with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) and the Office of the HCNM. They are the result of extensive discussion and input from experts in the field.