In Jablanica, 51.56% of voters cast ballots by 3 PM, irregularities recorded in the electoral cycle

(Patria) - At regular polling stations in Jablanica, 4,500 registered voters, or 51.56%, had cast their ballots by 3:00 PM.

The "Under the Lens" coalition has published part of its findings from observing the postponed elections up to 3:00 PM, based on reports from citizen observers deployed in Jablanica.

Irregularities that traditionally recur from one electoral cycle to another, such as family voting, were recorded. This irregularity was noted at 4 polling stations (126A004, 126A005, 126A013, and 126A019). It often happens that multiple family members vote together in the booth. This irregularity represents a form of traditional legacy not only in BiH; however, if its frequency is high, it can have a strong impact on the electoral process.

Voting without checking the prescribed identification documents was recorded at 2 polling stations (126A002, 126A005). Improper identification of voters may indicate numerous electoral irregularities, such as multiple voting (one person voting at several polling stations or multiple times at one polling station) or voting on behalf of other voters (voting on behalf of abstainers, voting on behalf of deceased persons, etc.). On the other hand, improper identification can also be a consequence of the polling board's personal acquaintance with the voter.

The irregularity where one person provides assistance to a larger number of voters to vote in the booth was recorded at 6 polling stations (126A001, 126A002, 126A004, 126A005, 126A013, and 126A018). These cases may indicate abuse of voting assistance, which most commonly occurs with organized helpers who, with the permission of the polling board, assist a larger number of voters, which is illegal. Using this manipulation, activists of political parties often bring a larger number of people to the polling station themselves to "help" them vote.

Furthermore, voters who used the assistance of another person when voting did not have proof that they actually needed voting assistance at 3 polling stations (126A001, 126A013, 126A020). However, in such cases, the polling board has the option to approve voting on its own without a certificate if it assesses that the voter is not capable of voting independently. Nevertheless, such cases require additional verification to determine whether an electoral irregularity occurred.

Turning voters away from the polling station because they were not on the Extract from the Central Voters' Register was recorded at 4 polling stations (126A001, 126A002, 126A004, 126A005). This is also more of a formal omission, as voters do not come to the appropriate polling station where they should vote.

The "Under the Lens" coalition is also monitoring information on voter turnout for the 2024 Local Elections in Jablanica. The recorded turnout in the postponed elections up to 3:00 PM is 52.9% (with a margin of statistical error of +/- 3.21% at an interval of 0.95 percentage points).

The turnout in the regular Local Elections held on October 6th up to 3:00 PM was 33.2% (with a margin of statistical error of +/- 0.84% at an interval of 0.95 percentage points).

From the "Under the Lens" coalition, they invited citizens to share with them today all their positive or negative experiences from the elections via the form at https://mojeiskustvo.podlupom.org/. Also, citizens can still report all electoral irregularities via the toll-free phone number 080 05 05 05.

Regarding the electoral process for the postponed elections in Jablanica, the public and media will be informed about the findings of the "Under the Lens" coalition in real time through press releases and media statements that will be published at www.podlupom.org.