The OSCE Mission to Bosnia welcomes the recent decision of Bosnia's electoral watchdog to publish the names of voters registered to vote outside the country for the 2020 local elections, as a significant step towards increasing the transparency and integrity of the conduct of elections, the Mission told N1 on Thursday.
“Competent authorities, including the election administration and law enforcement agencies, must take a proactive approach to addressing electoral fraud, in order to preserve election integrity. We call on the authorities to investigate any allegations of possible fraud without delay. Bosnian authorities and the Central Election Commission (CIK) and the Prosecutor's Office must adequately respond to all reported irregularities and adequately inform the public,” the Mission said.
Related news
They said that such activities aimed at preserving and improving election integrity are key to returning the citizens’ trust in the election process, noting that elections must be free, fair and transparent, in line with Bosnia's international obligations and democratic tendencies.
Bosnian election watchdog published the entire list of voters who will vote from abroad amid complaints of irregularities.
The list also showed that 101,771 people were registered to vote from abroad in the 2020 local elections – a sharp rise in the number from 2018 elections when 77,814 names were on that list.
Many Bosnians complained that even though they live in Bosnia, they were registered as voters from abroad – many of them as voting from Serbia.
“We are encouraged by the fact that the Coalition “Pod Lupom” will monitor the elections throughout the country because independent observers are one of the best safeguards to ensure fairness and integrity of elections. We call on all politicians to constructively support the work of the Central Election Commission and ensure that all party members and candidates act with integrity and in accordance with the Election Law,” the Mission noted.
The OSCE Mission recalled that all politicians have a responsibility to create an atmosphere of dialogue and tolerance.
“Statements that disrupt electoral processes and exacerbate tensions are not constructive or responsive to citizens’ needs. In the meantime, it is crucial to ensure the conditions for free and fair local elections throughout Bosnia in November and in Mostar in December, so that citizens can exercise their right to vote freely and with confidence in the electoral system.
