CEC warns political entities, candidates and their supporters against conducting premature election campaigns

(Patria) - Despite the fact that the Central Election Commission of BiH timely informed the public about the provisions of the Election Law of BiH regarding premature election campaigns, so far based on reports and initiated proceedings it is evident that this legal provision is being massively violated.

We remind that a "Premature campaign" is any form of campaign activities undertaken by political entities in the period from the calling of elections until the official start of the election campaign. In other words, during the said period, political entities, candidates and their supporters are prohibited from familiarizing voters and the public with the program and candidates of political entities for the upcoming elections.

If a certified political entity, candidate or supporter of a political entity promotes candidates and the election program in electronic, online and print media and through social networks, and does so from the day of calling the elections until the day of the start of the election campaign, then that is a premature campaign.

A political entity shall be fined in the amount of 3,000.00 KM to 30,000.00 KM for a misdemeanor if it, or its candidate or supporter, contrary to Article 7.1 of the Election Law of BiH, during the period of a premature election campaign, performs an act considered to be conducting an election campaign. For the said misdemeanor, a candidate of a political entity shall also be fined in the amount of 3,000.00 KM to 15,000.00 KM if personally responsible.

We believe that 30 days is an appropriate period for an election campaign and that conducting a premature campaign, among other things, puts certain political entities in an unequal position but also burdens the media space for months before election day.

The election campaign officially begins on September 6, 2024.

So far, the Central Election Commission of BiH has received more than 200 reports related to premature election campaigns. So far, it has imposed sanctions in more than 20 cases. The Central Election Commission of BiH today published an overview of complaints and appeals with indicated status, which will be periodically updated.

The overview is available on the website of the Central Election Commission of BiH in the section "Complaints and Appeals": https://www.izbori.ba/Default.aspx?Lang=3&CategoryID=1336&PodmId=1355