Cormack and Ferguson Blog: The Greatest Responsibility for the Chaos in Mostar Lies with HDZ BiH and SDA

A joint blog by the UK Ambassador Edward Ferguson and US Ambassador Maureen Cormack, reported by Patria.

We have had several frustrating days behind us. For a moment, it seemed that the months-long talks on the coordination mechanism were finally over and that BiH would be able to start making key decisions necessary for this country to progress towards European political and socio-economic standards.

Instead, we are witnessing yet another futile argument that will only further damage the international reputation of this country and its leaders. This must be resolved, and as soon as possible. But this issue is just one of many challenges facing BiH, and some of them pose a serious threat to democracy and progress across BiH. Today, we want to focus on one of those problems – Mostar.

Mostar is a paradox – beautiful, yet sad. On one hand, there is its historical, cultural, and architectural richness, and on the other, petty politics. A city that should be a source of pride for all citizens of this country is actually causing enormous damage to the reputation of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a modern, democratic state. Citizens of Mostar did not vote in the 2012 elections, and they are seriously threatened with the same scenario this year. Mostar has not had a functional City Council for years, and this is evident in the neglected public spaces, buildings still showing war damage, companies struggling to operate, and the lack of investment.

When we discussed Mostar at the last meeting of the Peace Implementation Council, we unanimously condemned the complete failure of political parties to implement the decision of the Constitutional Court of BiH to ensure the basic human right of Mostar citizens to vote for the first time in eight years. We were also clear when we stated which parties bear the primary responsibility: HDZ BiH and SDA.

Other parties, independent candidates, and civil society also have an important role in this process, and our two embassies are in constant contact with them, including representatives of the Serb people. But we must be clear – HDZ BiH and SDA are most responsible for the chaos in which Mostar currently finds itself. The primary responsibility for finding a solution lies with HDZ BiH and SDA.

As you are well aware, President Čović says he remains committed and optimistic about reaching a solution. But during recent negotiations, we saw how he constantly rejected all attempts to reach a compromise. President Izetbegović says he is pessimistic; he cannot overcome political obstacles at the local level. But they are the leaders of their parties, and it is their job to lead those parties.

On Tuesday this week, the 60-day deadline set by the Central Election Commission as the final deadline for organizing elections in Mostar on October 2 expired. Members of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH are on collective leave, and the Election Law has not been amended as ordered by the Constitutional Court in 2010 to make elections possible. This is a disgrace. But we will not stop until an agreement is reached.

Our first priority is for Mostar to remain one, unified, multi-ethnic city. But we also want Mostar citizens to be allowed to vote this year. Useful information from the Central Election Commission indicates that elections can be scheduled whenever an agreement is reached.

For these elections to be held, only one thing needs to happen – the Constitutional Court's decision must be implemented. This is a requirement stemming from the Dayton Agreement, and that is why we are involved in this process. We know there are many other open issues, such as whether the mayor should be elected directly, whether deputy mayor positions should be introduced, or how to distribute competencies at levels below the City Council. If an agreement can be reached that resolves all these issues, great! But if not, we will seek a minimum – a temporary solution that reflects the proportional value of votes, satisfies the Constitutional Court's decision, and allows elections to be held. Once a functional City Council is established, we can focus on adopting permanent amendments to the Statute of the City of Mostar and the Election Law. But, first and foremost, we must restore democracy to Mostar and to all of BiH.

You know, we have had numerous discussions about Mostar in recent weeks, and it has always been quite clear that one interest group has not been mentioned in any of those meetings – the voters, the ordinary citizens of Mostar. Instead, there has always been talk only of numbers – whether this or that solution gives HDZ BiH or SDA control over more or fewer councilors. This is not democracy. This is electoral engineering. In most countries, voters choose their politicians – in Mostar, politicians are trying to choose their voters.

What Mostar needs are politicians who feel a certain responsibility towards those they claim to represent and a system that will allow citizens to reward or punish them for their successes or failures.

So why hasn't this happened yet? We will be completely honest in answering this question. It hasn't happened because the essence of everything is power – the essence is not the citizens. The current situation suits politicians on both sides. But enough is enough. It is time for the leaders of HDZ BiH and SDA to show that their often-expressed commitment to European standards and values is not just empty talk. It is time for political courage and responsibility. It is time to hear the voices of the disenfranchised citizens of Mostar. It is time for elections.