Election campaign begins, CEC has already imposed fines, what awaits us and what is forbidden

(Patria) - At midnight, the election campaign for the local elections in BiH, which will be held on October 6 this year, officially began.

Parties, party and independent candidates will be able to present their programs until October 5 (until 7:00 AM), after which a 24-hour election silence will follow.

A total of 3,400,204 voters are registered in the Central Voter Register, and according to the previously confirmed list, there will be slightly more than 26,000 candidates and 168 political entities in the elections scheduled for October 6.

All political entities can conduct their campaigns throughout the entire territory of BiH, and the competent authorities are obliged to ensure the freedom of movement for them, their voters and supporters, as well as equal treatment in their requests to use public spaces for campaign purposes.

During the campaign, it is forbidden to remove, cover, damage, or alter printed advertisements, posters, and other materials. It is also forbidden to display, print, or distribute election materials that present women and men in a stereotypical or humiliating manner.

It is forbidden to threaten supporters of other political entities, obstruct journalists in their work, promise monetary rewards or other material benefits to gain voter support, encourage individuals who are not eligible to vote, or encourage individuals to vote multiple times or on behalf of another person.

The CEC specifically draws attention to the prohibition of hate speech, which applies to the entire election period, not just the election campaign period.

The Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina has also sanctioned political entities for premature campaigning so far, with a total of 268,000 KM in fines.

The Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina calls on all participants in the election process to conduct a fair campaign, respecting laws and rules, and appeals to the media to report on election activities accurately and professionally, in accordance with the journalists' code of ethics.