Under the Magnifying Glass: Civilian Observers at Every Third Polling Station in Jablanica

(Patria) - The Coalition for Free and Fair Elections "Under the Magnifying Glass" informs the public that for the 2024 Local Elections, which are being held today in Jablanica and were previously postponed due to the natural disaster that
struck this municipality, it has engaged civilian, non-partisan observers at every third polling station in the aforementioned basic electoral unit.

Unfortunately, the municipality of Jablanica was the hardest hit by the natural disaster that recently struck Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is why the 2024 Local Elections are being held last in this municipality, following the holding of postponed elections in Fojnica, Kiseljak, Konjic, and Kreševo. It is clear that Jablanica is going through a difficult recovery period and that it took time to create conditions for holding elections, as well as that elections under these circumstances are not a priority for many citizens of Jablanica.

Legal deadlines stipulate that postponed elections must be held within 30 days from the day set for holding regular elections, and given that the elections are being held today, the Coalition "Under the Magnifying Glass" has ensured independent observation of the elections in Jablanica, continuing to work to ensure that the electoral process is transparent and that the electoral will of citizens is protected.

Under the Magnifying Glass will monitor all key phases of the electoral process for the postponed elections in Jablanica, including the arrangement and opening of polling stations, the voting process, the closing of polling stations, the counting of votes, as well as the packaging of electoral materials. All possible irregularities that could affect the electoral process will be carefully monitored, and immediate action will be taken to eliminate observed irregularities and enable the elections to proceed in accordance with the law.

Rights of Independent Observers

The Coalition "Under the Magnifying Glass" emphasizes that all its civilian, non-partisan observers have had unimpeded access to all polling stations in Jablanica.

Although problems with access to polling stations for some non-partisan observers due to manipulative or procedural reasons have been recurring for years, it is necessary to highlight good practices and respect for the law. Unimpeded
access for independent observers should be ensured for every election, because in this way doubts about the regularity of the election at the polling station during its arrangement and opening are removed. – state from the Coalition "Under the Magnifying Glass".

Opening of Polling Stations

At all polling stations, the procedures and rules related to the arrangement and opening of polling stations were respected. Most polling stations opened on time, while 3 polling stations opened with a slight delay of up to 15 minutes (126A002, 126A004, 126A013). The secrecy of voting was ensured at all polling stations. Also, observers reported that 3 polling stations (126A001, 126A018, 126A020) are not accessible to persons with disabilities.
From the Coalition "Under the Magnifying Glass", citizens were invited to share all their positive or negative experiences from the elections today via the form at https://mojeiskustvo.podlupom.org/. Also, citizens can still report any electoral irregularities via the toll-free phone number 080 05 05 05.

The public and media will be informed about the findings of the observation of the electoral process for the postponed elections in Jablanica through press releases and media statements that will be published at www.podlupom.org.