TI on the issue of Election Law: Non-transparency leads to speculations and tensions

Transparency International BiH (TI BiH) welcomes the intensification of efforts by the international community, primarily the United States of America and the European Union, on much-needed reform of electoral legislation. At the same time, they insist that the whole process has to be transparent, and the public acquainted with the solutions offered. Bearing in mind the importance of the reform of the entire electoral legislation, TI BiH emphasize the need to make available all relevant information on the negotiation process, as well as to involve all relevant actors in the process.

The lack of information on specific solutions, and the lack of relevant institutional debate on their content and direction, creates additional space for speculations, which can undermine
credibility of the process, complicate it further or even lead to additional tensions. From the beginning of the entire process, TI BiH has made concrete proposals regarding improvement of the integrity of elections, primarily through ensuring the independence of the election administration, prevention of abuse and pressure on voters, in accordance with relevant international recommendations.

However, it is evident that for reforms and respect of international standards, in terms of establishing integrity, there is no support or interest among BiH authorities, and that the demands
by representatives of the ruling political parties are aimed solely at maintaining or increasing their control over electoral process, under the banner of protection of national interests, which only prolongs the crisis.

With this in mind, as well as the fact that there are only a few months left until the General Elections 2022, and due to prolonged blockades and ultimatums by political leaders, the space for adopting solutions that could represent substantial progress or to ensure adequate procedure for their adoption – has been reduced.

Therefore, it is necessary to take all measures to prevent the threats of blockades of the election process, but also to ensure significantly stronger supervision through a robust election monitoring mission at all polling stations, as well as by strengthening the monitoring of the pre-election process and preventing pressure on voters.

This is particularly important given the irregularities detected during the Local elections 2020, as well as the increasingly aggressive political atmosphere and daily threats by BH top officials.