OSCE condemns pressure on BiH CIK members ahead of decision on Dodik's mandate termination

(Patria) - The OSCE Mission in BiH is concerned about recent public calls for citizens to gather in front of the private residences of Central Election Commission (CIK) BiH members Vanja Bjelica Prutina and Jovan Kalaba.

Such actions, occurring in anticipation of the CIK's decision on the termination of Milorad Dodik's mandate, represent an unacceptable attempt to pressure the independent election body, the OSCE Mission in BiH stated.

"The independence, integrity, and personal safety of election officials are crucial for any democratic society. The call to intimidate CIK members is an open attempt to interfere with the lawful functioning of democratic institutions.

Such activities must stop immediately. Political leaders have a responsibility to respect democratic norms, not to undermine them.

We call on all political actors to refrain from any form of pressure or incitement and to respect the independence and personal dignity of all CIK members.

The Mission will continue to closely monitor the situation and reaffirms its full support to the BiH CIK in performing its duties impartially and in accordance with the law," the statement from the OSCE Mission in BiH added.