Allegations of irregularities, vote buying and intimidation surface during repeat elections in BiH’s RS entity

In Doboj, election observer Perica Bogdan said he witnessed multiple irregularities at a polling station shortly after arriving.

“Ballot boxes were not placed properly and observers from one political party were monitoring who people voted for,” Bogdan claimed, adding that his complaints were not recorded in the official log.

He also alleged that one voter cast a ballot on behalf of another person.

“A man signed in, and another went to vote instead of him. I asked why the second person didn’t sign, but the polling board president refused to record my objection,” he said.

Bogdan further claimed he was verbally abused and later physically assaulted outside the polling station.

“They insulted me, calling me a ‘monkey’ and an ‘idiot’. When we went outside, one young man ran into me with his shoulder. I’m still in pain and will need medical assistance,” he said, adding that police took statements.

He also alleged groups of 30 to 40 people gathered near the polling station, allegedly transporting and directing voters.

Separate claims suggested possible vote buying. Bogdan said he observed several individuals inside a local restaurant allegedly distributing money.

“They were sitting in a private booth dividing cash. They wouldn’t let anyone enter, but I am almost certain money was being handed out for votes,” he said.

Another witness, Ranko Vujic, described similar suspicious activity, while one resident said he reported alleged vote buying to police after a woman asked where she could collect money for voting.

Doboj City Election Commission President Nenad Paleksic said turnout reached 23 percent by 11 a.m., higher than during the original vote in November. He said authorities had no official information about irregularities.

“If anything happens outside a 50-meter radius of polling stations, that falls under police jurisdiction,” Paleksic said.

Meanwhile, in Laktasi, voter interviews reflected a mix of frustration, distrust and hope the repeated elections would finally resolve disputes. Some voters questioned transparency, claiming the use of previously printed ballots could enable manipulation.

Election observer Sanjin Cetković warned about risks of identity fraud and said public awareness about repeated polling locations remained low. He urged citizens to participate regardless of confusion.

Repeat elections were ordered following disputes over alleged irregularities during the initial vote, highlighting persistent concerns over electoral transparency in the RS.