Deliberate obstruction of the process of securing funds for the 2020 local election in Bosnia and Herzegovina could lead to a “violation of the political rights” of citizens, the OSCE Mission in Bosnia said on Tuesday, urging authorities to adopt a budget for the election as soon as possible.
Bosnia's local election was initially scheduled for October 4, but was postponed for November 15 because the state budget was not adopted, making it impossible to plan the essential procurement procedures for the electoral process.
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“Continued failure to secure funding for municipal elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina violates the provisions of Bosnia’s Election Law, undermines democracy and the constitutional order, and undermines the independence and impartiality of state-level institutions,” the OSCE said, reminding that the deadline for securing funds for the election expired on May 22.
“Attempts to obstruct the election process, including the deliberate obstruction of the process of securing funds for the election, could lead to a violation of the political rights of all of Bosnia's citizens,” it said.
The OSCE reminded that the relevant institutions, including the Council of Ministers, the Presidency and the Parliament, are obliged to make sure financing of elections is ensured.
“It is urgent to provide the necessary funds, by adopting the budget for Bosnia’s institutions or by adopting a special decision on financing,” the OSCE concluded.
