TI BiH: Reform of the election process must be transparent

Banja Luka, 1. December 2021. – Transparency International BiH (TI BiH) welcomes the intensification of efforts of the international community, primarily the United States and the European Union on the much-needed reform of electoral legislation, but the whole process must be transparent and the public aware of the solutions offered.

Bearing in mind the importance of reforming the entire election legislation, TI BiH emphasizes the need to make available all relevant information on the negotiation process, as well as to involve all relevant actors in the process.

Lack of information on concrete solutions, and lack of relevant institutional discussion on their direction and content, opens additional space for speculation, which can damage the credibility of the process, further complicate it or even lead to additional tensions.

Since the beginning of the entire process, TI BiH has made concrete proposals regarding the improvement of the integrity of elections, primarily through ensuring the independence of the election administration, preventing abuse and pressure on voters, and in accordance with relevant international recommendations.

However, it is evident that there is no support or interest among BiH authorities for reforms and respect for international standards in terms of establishing integrity, and that the demands of representatives of the ruling political parties are aimed exclusively at maintaining or increasing their control over the electoral process. national interests, producing in continuity of crisis.

With this in mind, as well as the fact that there are only a few months left until the 2022 General Elections are called. Due to prolonged blockades and blackmail of political leaders, the space for the adoption of solutions that could represent substantial progress or to ensure an adequate procedure for their adoption has been narrowed.

Therefore, it is necessary to take all measures to prevent blocked blockades of the election process, but also to ensure significantly stronger supervision through a robust election observation mission at all polling stations, as well as by strengthening monitoring of the election process and preventing pressure on voters.

This is especially important if we take into account the irregularities observed during the 2020 Local Elections. as well as the increasingly aggressive political atmosphere and daily threats from the highest officials in BiH.

Press rls_01.12.21_