The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe said on Tuesday that there were no major incidents during Sunday’s local elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina but that the turnout was relatively low, probably because of the pandemic.

Turnout was around 50 percent, which was “perhaps partially influenced by the COVID-19 concerns,” said Kathleen Kavalec, Head of the OSCE Mission in Bosnia.

The Mission noted that media, political parties and NGOs reported irregularities at different polling stations, including some cases in which observers were not allowed to enter polling stations.

“We urge the Central Election Commission, law enforcement agencies and prosecutors across the country to react promptly. This is the only way to rebuild trust in election processes in BiH,” said Kavalec.

She thanked the media for their professional reporting, voters for taking the time to cast their ballots and election staff for making it possible.

“We congratulate the officials who voters have entrusted with the privilege and responsibility of serving citizens and wish them success in addressing the needs of their communities,” Kavaled stated.

“It is clear that BiH citizens have high expectations for their elected officials to focus on the betterment of their communities in the interests of all citizens,” she added.

Kavalec also praised the work of the Pod Lupom Coalition – an independent election watchdog which deployed 2,600 independent observers throughout the country on election day, some of which were prevented from entering some polling stations.

“Not allowing independent observers to enter polling stations is unacceptable. I raised this issue on election day with the Central Election Commission (CEC) members, who committed to addressing this and other alleged irregularities,” said Kavalec.