The Coalition for Free and Fair Elections "Pod lupom" researched direct and indirect influences on voters in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which are becoming more frequent every year. It was established that there are serious concerns about the lack of mechanisms to protect citizens, and existing mechanisms have not been effectively used.

The research was conducted in August 2023 in 69 out of 143 cities and municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and included 868 citizens, and the findings show that political pressures and undemocratic and illegal influence on the electoral will of citizens is very much a part of reality in BiH.

The organisation notes that political pressures on voters in the country “are both an open secret and an under-researched problem, but they are also an under-represented topic, except in the period leading up to the elections”.

“What is particularly worrisome is that many forms of political pressure have become common behaviours of political subjects participating in election races, which has led to the fact that citizens often see pressure on voters as regular party activities. The aim of such research is for citizens to actively oppose the pressure on voters caused by electoral corruption and to become more resistant to all forms of pressure and intimidation of voters”, it said.

The research showed that over 88% of respondents were familiar with the term and meaning of political pressure, while almost 40% of respondents stated that they had experienced some form of political pressure. Additionally, close to 30% of respondents stated that they experienced political pressure to participate in some political or party activities against their will.

“Of the forms of political pressure on voters, direct pressure on who to vote for is leading. This is followed by attendance at political or party events, and pressure to join the party, especially to exercise certain rights or offer personal benefits (most often employment). The respondents also reported political pressure related to the collection of the so-called “secure” votes for a party or candidate, then pressure to support and promote parties or candidates on social networks. Elections represent the basic pillar of every democracy and the opportunity for citizens to express their voice and influence the shaping of the future of their country, and no one should have the right to influence citizens in any way to vote against their will”, the organisation said.

Pod Lupom stressed that it is necessary to introduce “a policy of zero tolerance towards political pressures and abuses to create an atmosphere in which such activities are most severely condemned and punished”.

“Political entities must respect the law and refrain from exerting pressure on voters. Cases of alleged pressure on voters should be investigated quickly, thoroughly and efficiently, and prosecutors and the Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina should call the perpetrators to account promptly”, it said.