International community's High Representative Valentin Inzko, in called on citizens of Mostar to make the election Sunday a celebration of democracy by getting out and voting in large numbers, therefore exercising the democratic right that has been denied to them for so long.
“Twelve years since their last opportunity to vote for their local representatives, I now invite citizens of Mostar to respond with a robust turnout on Sunday’s local elections. Use your personal Bonn Powers and vote,” Inzko who is in charge of overseeing the civilian implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement said in his statement.
“Additionally, I appeal to citizens to vote, based on issues and proposed solutions that are aimed at moving Mostar forward. The beautiful, world-famous city of Mostar and all Mostarians, especially the youth, deserve no less than others in BiH, the opportunity to have a bright and prosperous future and to live in a vibrant and economically thriving city where they can build a future for themselves. You have all the potentials for success. Dear Mostarians, use your right to vote, make your voice heard, and do not let others decide for you or your city,” said the High Representative.
He also urged voters to protect themselves and the people working at the polling stations by adhering to the prescribed epidemiological measures and following the instructions issued by the City Election Commission. He also commended the BiH Central Election Commission in organizing two consecutive elections under difficult circumstances.
The last time Mostar held local elections was 12 years ago and the reason for this was a 2010 ruling by the country's Constitutional Court ruling in which several parts of the election law regarding Mostar were declared unconstitutional. It was then up to the parliament to change it.
But the leaders of Bosnia’s main Bosniak and Bosnian Croat ethnic parties that won the election in 2008 could not agree on how to amend the law for more than a decade.
Only recently did the Party for Democratic Action (SDA) and Bosnia’s Croat Democratic Union (HDZ BiH) finally reach an agreement on the issue.
