Išerić: Without Palmer's proposal on the table, there will be no agreement on the Election Law this year

(Patria) - Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina are impatiently and anxiously awaiting the resolution of the political and constitutional crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which was caused by the blockade of state institutions and different views on constitutional and electoral reform. We were especially encouraged by the engagement of international mediators in resolving this difficult crisis, says Dr. Sci. Enver Išerić in his review of the current situation.

"However, given that representatives of the Republika Srpska skillfully shift the resolution of the issue of amendments to the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Election Law to political representatives from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as if this issue does not concern the Republika Srpska and that the implementation of the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, as well as ensuring equal rights for all citizens throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, does not apply to that part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is difficult to expect any agreement to be reached. 

This is especially due to the fact that political parties have come out with their maximalist demands, i.e., proposals from which they do not back down. They go to negotiations with such positions. And, representatives of the international community do not have their own proposals for solutions that are in line with international standards and expect our politicians to reach an agreement," notes Išerić.

Therefore, it would be necessary, during this period, to focus on amendments to the Election Law that would restore citizens' trust in the electoral process, and after the general elections in 2022, start new talks on these issues with the winners of those elections.

"If no agreement is reached even on technical changes to the Election Law, its amendments should be adopted by the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In addition, it is necessary to immediately unblock the work of state institutions and enable their normal functioning.

I would be happy if I am making a mistake in these forecasts and that through an agreement of political parties we are led to the right – European path of Bosnia and Herzegovina, putting an end to political problems, in order to turn to building a legal and economically prosperous state," adds Išerić.