European Union supports postponement of elections in Western Balkan countries

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - President of the European Council Charles Michel warned Western Balkan countries that the situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic cannot be used to disregard the rule of law, RSE reports.

"When it comes to this region, we want to send a clear political message. We call on them to respect the rule of law and the basic principles of freedom and democracy. This has been at the very center of our actions in recent weeks and months," Michel stated.

He added that the European Union wants to help the region and support economic development, but warned that this "must go hand in hand with reforms," which need to be intensified.

He confirmed that EU institution leaders are in contact with leaders in the region, RSE reports.

In this regard, Charles Michel stated that there is "broad support" within the EU to postpone the announced elections in some Western Balkan countries, noting that the coronavirus crisis has also affected the electoral process in several EU member states.

We recall, the Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina submitted a Proposal for amendments to the Election Law to the Parliamentary Assembly precisely due to the situation regarding elections and the pandemic.

Representatives of political parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina are divided on whether to postpone or hold local elections.

Local elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina are planned for October 2020, but their holding is increasingly uncertain.