Bosnian election watchdog presented a test project on Monday in 165 polling stations across 10 municipalities and cities which will test the brand new system of electronic identification of voters through fingerprints and a system of online input and quick transfer of results from the polling station to the main server of the Central Election Commission (CEC).

“Our expectations are high. This is the first time that digital technologies are being tested at a polling station. Experiences in neighbouring countries have shown that it is important to carry out testing and identify possible difficulties,” CEC President Suad Arnautovic said.

He pointed out that since 2016, there have been no fundamental changes in terms of digitization. The system was developed by a Spanish company that stayed in Bosnia for 15 months and “scanned” the entire process both in the CEC and in municipal commissions and election boards. A key document, the Strategy and Action Plan for Improving Integrity, Transparency and Efficiency in the Electoral Process of BiH, was drawn up, which, according to Arnautovic, has not yet been considered by the authorities. The project was carried out in partnership with the EU Delegation EU in BiH and the Agency for Identification Documents, Registers and Data Exchange of Bosnia and Herzegovina (IDDEEA).

“The CEC relies on the help of donors, primarily the EU Delegation, the OSCE and others. This project is a big novelty for us,” Arnautovic said.

The second part of the test, he said, should speed up the process of collecting voting results, prevent fraud and irregularities, but also reduce administration.

“This will speed up the first unofficial announcement of the voting results,” Arnautovic added.

Arif Nanic, the head of IDDEEA, said that they are proud to be part of this project and that IDDEEA's role in this project is crucial.

Two companies from Mostar are responsible for the project implementation.