CEC Rules in Election Campaign: Candidate Removal, Fines up to 10,000 KM

Today, September 2nd, the election campaign for the 2016 Local Elections officially began and will last until October 1st, 2016, 7:00 AM, when the election silence begins. This is a period in which political entities, in a manner prescribed by law, inform voters and the public about their programs and candidates. During this period, political entities are prohibited from:

1) removing, covering, damaging, or altering printed advertisements, posters, billboards, or other materials used for the election campaign.

2) conducting campaigns in a manner that violates gender equality,

3) placing printed, written, or any other material related to the election campaign inside or on buildings housing government bodies at all levels, public enterprises, public institutions, and local communities, as well as on religious buildings, public roads, and public areas; it is only permitted in places designated for posting and advertising;

4) carrying and displaying weapons at political rallies, polling stations, and their surroundings;

5) disrupting rallies of other political entities, or inciting others to such activities;

6) preventing journalists from performing their duties in accordance with professional and electoral rules;

7) misrepresenting oneself in the name of any political entity;

One of the legal prohibitions in the rules of conduct for political entities in the election campaign, to which we draw particular attention, is the use of language that could incite or encourage violence or hatred. The Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina has the authority to impose a fine not exceeding 10,000 convertible marks, remove a candidate's name from the candidate list if it is determined that the candidate is personally responsible for violating the law, or annul the certification of a political entity. Which of the aforementioned sanctions will be imposed depends on the severity of the offense and its frequency.

From September 2nd, 2016, to September 15th, 2016, the Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in cooperation with the Council of Europe, is organizing an informative and educational campaign for three target groups: women, national minorities, and the elderly, all with the aim of raising awareness among voters from these target groups and encouraging their more active participation in the electoral process.          

The campaign is being conducted in 10 cities: Banja Luka, Livno, Zenica, Tuzla, Brčko, Bijeljina, Trebinje, Sarajevo, Široki Brijeg, and Bihać. In the busiest pedestrian zones, there will be promotional points where promoters will conduct active promotion, distribute leaflets, and approach target groups in a friendly manner, seeking to provide explanations and further education regarding the campaign.