Okerić - Kafedžić: Continuing to strengthen the anti-corruption system in Sarajevo Canton

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Speaker of the Sarajevo Canton Assembly Elvedin Okerić and Head of the Office for Combating Corruption and Quality Management of KS, Dr. Erduan Kafedžić held a meeting today to discuss all possibilities for continuing to strengthen the anti-corruption system in Sarajevo Canton.

On this occasion, Speaker Okerić emphasized that one of the most important reform tasks in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the improvement of the rule of law, which is a central category of the state and administration.

"The entire social and state system is based on a harmonized, effective, and efficient system, and the successful implementation of the legislative framework. Sarajevo Canton has become a leader and an exemplary case in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the last five years when it comes to legal frameworks that address anti-corruption activities, which has been recognized by all international institutions," said Speaker Okerić.

Looking from this perspective and the progress made, the Speaker said he is particularly proud of these achievements, as he was a member of the first composition of the KS Government Team for Combating Corruption.

He expressed satisfaction and praise for the activities carried out by this office, led by Kafedžić, and fully supported the initiatives from the Analysis of the Anti-Corruption Environment in the Public Sector of KS, which the Office initiated.

Furthermore, he pointed out that the fight against corruption must be a permanent commitment, which is why it has been placed at the top of the priorities of the new parliamentary majority through the coalition agreement.

"As a representative of the legislative body and someone who has already gained many years of experience in fighting this scourge, I want to emphasize that only through legal regulation of anti-corruption can the desired effects be achieved. In this context, some regulations were already adopted in 2019 during the 'Šestorka' Government, such as the Law on Reporting and Verification of Data on Property of Public Office Holders in our canton," reminded Speaker Okerić, and announced new anti-corruption regulations in 2021.

Kafedžić said that the announced anti-corruption regulations were precisely proposed and initiated as a result of the aforementioned Analysis of the Anti-Corruption Environment in the Public Sector of KS.

"Based on it, the Office proposed the adoption of new laws and regulations, such as the Law on Prevention and Fight Against Corruption in KS, which establishes a system for detecting and sanctioning conflicts of interest of public office holders, as well as legal protection for corruption whistleblowers. In addition to the previous one, a law on the prohibition of nepotism and party employment in KS has also been announced, which would prohibit placing certain individuals in a privileged position due to their affiliation with a certain political party, personal acquaintance, and family ties with a public office holder," stated Kafedžić.

He also added that the adoption of a new Decree on the allocation of funds to non-profit organizations and associations from the KS Budget has been announced, which would establish a more efficient and regulated system for allocating public funds to the aforementioned organizations and associations.

"The Office has some drafts and proposals for acts ready, so they can be sent to the parliamentary procedure as early as spring, for public review and public debate. In this way, through the adoption of the aforementioned regulations, along with the establishment of a public procurement control system in KS, the systemic approach and response of Sarajevo Canton in the fight against corrupt phenomena would be significantly strengthened. All participants in the political and social life of our canton will have the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to fighting corruption in practice," emphasized Kafedžić.

He also stressed that one cannot wait for higher levels of government to regulate these issues, as there are no similar initiatives visible there.
"Precisely because of this, Sarajevo Canton must take decisive steps and adopt the proposed regulations, thus maintaining its leading position in the fight against corruption in our country. A uncompromising fight against corruption, based on systemic solutions, is the only way to achieve visible results in all areas of social development of our canton and country, and to enable the progress we all strive for," concluded Kafedžić.

At the end of the meeting, Kafedžić emphasized that he expects strong support and commitment from Speaker Okerić, given his participation and contribution to the work of the KS Government Team for Combating Corruption, so that the mentioned anti-corruption regulations are considered and adopted in the Sarajevo Canton Assembly.