Bosnia election: 46 serious violations recorded as only 52.1% of polling stations open on time

Initial findings from the coalition's observers showed that 52.1% of polling stations opened at exactly 7 am, while new election technologies were operational before voting began at 99% of the polling stations observed.

Pod Lupom deployed 888 non-partisan citizen observers across the country to monitor the entire election process, from the opening of polling stations and voting to the use of new election technologies, the closing of polling stations, vote counting and the packing of election materials.

46 serious violations recorded by 9:30 am

According to Pod Lupom, the 46 serious violations recorded by 9:30 am mainly involved restrictions on election observation, problems with election materials or breaches of polling station procedures.

Most observers had no problems accessing polling stations. Difficulties were reported at 1.6% of polling stations, where election boards had either not received lists of accredited observers or observers were not allowed access before 7 am.

The coalition described these as isolated procedural shortcomings that did not jeopardise its observation mission and said the problems were resolved promptly.

Just over half of polling stations opened on time

Pod Lupom said 52.1% of polling stations opened on time, while 37% opened up to 15 minutes late.

A further 10.1% had opened by 8 am, while 0.8% opened after 8 am.

The coalition noted that delays were somewhat more frequent than in previous election cycles. By comparison, 76% of polling stations opened at exactly 7 am during the 2024 local elections.

Pod Lupom said this year's delays could be linked to preparations for the use of new election technologies, as well as preparations by the election administration.

At 7.6% of the polling stations observed, not all members of polling station committees were present at 6 am, when they were required to arrive. The coalition said this was particularly significant given the introduction of new technologies in this year's election.

New technology operational at 99% of observed polling stations

Initial findings on the use of new election technologies showed that the systems were operational before polls opened at 99% of the polling stations observed.

The required procedure for printing initial reports was followed at 98.8% of polling stations, with access to the reports provided at all of those locations.

However, at 2.7% of polling stations, the operator responsible for the new technology was not present at 6 am. At 2% of polling stations, the required instructions explaining how voters should mark and scan their ballots were not visibly displayed.

Pod Lupom urged voters not to be concerned about the new technology and encouraged them to cast their ballots.

"We call on all voters to go to the polls today. Voters should not be afraid of the new technologies. They were not introduced to make it more difficult for us to exercise our right to vote, but to provide additional protection for that right. This time, no one can know how anyone voted, and each voter's ballot goes exactly to the candidate for whom it was intended," the coalition said.

The coalition also called on citizens to report any election irregularities they observe by calling the free hotline 080 05 05 05 or using Pod Lupom's online form. Reports can also be submitted anonymously.

Pod Lupom said its next update, covering the voting process, turnout and election irregularities recorded by 11 am, would be released at 1 pm. Its next press conference is scheduled for 4:30 pm in Sarajevo.