Council of Europe urges BiH to carry out electoral reform

In the report by the Committee on the Honouring of Obligations and Commitments by Member States, rapporteurs Zsolt Nemeth of Hungary and Pablo Hispan of Spain stressed the need for comprehensive electoral reforms, including implementation of European Court of Human Rights rulings in the Sejdic and Finci cases, which require that all BiH citizens be able to stand for the country's highest offices.

The report highlights that the electoral law, particularly regarding the BiH Presidency, has been a stumbling block between Croat and pro-Bosnian representatives in the Federation entity for too long. It notes that such disputes further worsen mistrust between the two communities and calls for a resolution to reduce tensions.

The Council of Europe called on Bosnia's political representatives to seize the opportunity to draft and implement reforms that will ensure equal political participation for all citizens.