US Embassy in BiH rejects accusations of election interference

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - "The United States is not interfering in the electoral process. We decisively reject these terrible accusations. We do not support any party, nor any candidate," stated on Wednesday from the Public Affairs Office of the US Embassy in BiH.

We are transmitting the statement in full:

"The United States has demonstrated its commitment and dedication to the citizens of BiH for more than two decades, and despite this, irresponsible actors continue to drag us into conspiracy theories, unfounded accusations, and, literally, lies. We firmly believe that during the election campaign, citizens should have the opportunity to discuss the issues that will determine their future as well as the future of their families. However, public discourse is completely dominated by fear-based rhetoric. This is unacceptable, and due to this very poisoned atmosphere and constant attacks, the time has come for us to speak out.

The US Government and the US Embassy are not enemies of BiH, its citizens, or its two entities; we are friends of all citizens who want a more positive future for themselves and their families. The real enemies are, as we all know, corruption, unemployment, poor services in the education and healthcare systems, and self-focused politicians who, instead of addressing these issues, try to turn the United States and other friends of BiH into its opponents. The efforts of politicians to deceive the public and hide their true intentions just before the elections by ceremoniously opening roundabouts, offering free services in hospitals, and other seemingly beneficial activities represent mockery and insult the citizens of BiH. It does not end there – their efforts also include the misuse of public funds and the dragging of war criminals into campaigns, as well as falsely accusing long-standing allies of Bosnia and Herzegovina of hostile activities.

We refuse to be part of this manipulation.

The United States is not interfering in the electoral process. We decisively reject these terrible accusations. We do not support any party, nor any candidate. Furthermore, we remain genuinely committed to supporting credible and transparent elections and will always warn against vote buying, identity theft, and other forms of electoral fraud whenever we observe them.

Such activities are in line with our long-standing support for the rule of law and the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and Euro-Atlantic integration of BiH," stated in the announcement from the Public Affairs Office of the US Embassy in BiH.