Election Lists Being Drafted: Blackmail and False Criminal Complaints in Party Disputes

Political parties are counting down the days to the deadline for submitting candidate lists to the Central Election Commission, and internal party struggles for positions on the lists are at their peak, reports the BH news agency Patria (NAP). The deadline for submitting candidate lists begins on July 2 and lasts until July 14 this year. 

As we learn from multiple sources, the struggles in most parties are fierce, with criminal complaints being filed, promises being made, and pressure and blackmail being exerted, all in order to draft the lists for the general October elections. According to Patria agency sources, it is particularly turbulent in the Party of Democratic Action (SDA), but also in other Bosniak parties.

- The lists are now being finalized and must be submitted to the CIK by mid-July, signed by the president. However, we already have cases where individuals are trying to be compromised by filing false criminal complaints. There are also instances of certain blackmail and attempts at discreditation. People are being threatened – said a Patria source.

From the Press Service of Dr. Mustafa Cerić, an independent candidate for the BiH Presidency, they say they have received similar information from the field.

As they point out, some political activists are expressing concern about the events of the past few days.

- Yes, we have also received such information and we hope that the competent authorities, if they receive it, will treat it in accordance with the law. We are concerned about the escalation and political struggle that goes beyond the framework of democracy and law. Parties must show that they are democratic first and foremost, and no fear or blackmail should be a method of work – say the Press Service of Dr. Cerić.

They warn that the consequences of such political showdowns are immeasurable, especially for Bosniaks, who, as they state, cannot afford that kind of political instability and self-destruction.

- How will citizens choose whom to vote for in the elections, if we know that the lists themselves are made using methods of intimidation. It is no wonder then that citizens are increasingly abstaining from voting in elections, which prevents any change. We call on all political parties, and especially Bosniak parties, to conduct a fair and correct political struggle – state the press service of Dr. Cerić.