Suad Arnautović new president of the Central Election Commission

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Suad Arnautović was elected today as the new president of the Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He was elected unanimously, and CEC members said that he has shown maturity during a challenging period and has represented the work of the CEC excellently.

Arnautović stated that his top priority will be the organization of the General Elections in 2022.

“We are appointed to implement the Election Law, not to fail to implement it. The Election Law prescribes the deadlines for when they are held. The second task is the reorganization and internal organization of work in the CEC Secretariat, which has been inherited and is not adapted to the new times and digitalization. Our Secretariat must be adapted to the new times. The third activity is cooperation with state and entity levels of government, Brčko District, and lower levels,” said Arnautović.

He also said that they must urgently establish even better cooperation with prosecutor's offices at all levels, as it is extremely necessary.

He added that, regardless of what happens in the political arena, they will use their legal powers, which include initiating amendments to the Election Law and the Law on Financing of Political Parties.

“We will point out things that lead to amendments that are detrimental to international standards and provide suggestions. We will initiate amendments to laws within the jurisdiction of lower levels of government that directly or indirectly affect the election process in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is impossible to fully complete our task without coordination and cooperation,” said Arnautović.

He emphasized the importance of cooperation with the civil sector and non-governmental organizations and underlined that the CEC BiH must continue to remain neutral in all processes.

“The zero tolerance of this institution will be towards those who violate the law,” Arnautović stated.