Deputy signs transfer of funds, accuses Bosnia Finance Minister of blocking election funding

According to a statement from his office, Hasanovic clarified that the instruction for the allocation of these funds was signed by him in mid-2024, with the necessary capital earmarked within the 2025 Budget. However, following the conclusion of the 2025 fiscal year, Hasanovic claims that "various interpretations" emerged suggesting the funds were no longer available, a narrative he attributes to those opposed to modernizing the voting process.

The dispute intensified after the Central Election Commission (CEC) requested a technical transfer of the funds into 2026 to facilitate ongoing public procurement. Hasanovic alleges that the Minister of Finance, Srdjan Amidzic, "consciously refused" to authorize the transfer, thereby directly blocking the project.

"Such conduct cannot be viewed as a mere administrative decision, but as a serious obstruction of a process meant to ensure fair and transparent elections," Hasanovic stated. He further suggested that the resistance to modern technology stems from those who have historically benefited from "electoral manipulations and vote theft."

Invoking an authentic interpretation from the Office of the High Representative (OHR), the Deputy Minister maintained that he acted within his legal authority to ensure the process continues. He also called upon the Prosecutor’s Office to investigate Minister Amidzic’s refusal to sign the instruction, stating that accountability is essential for the "series of obstructions" that have occurred.

Hasanovic, a member of the Social Democratic Party of BiH (SDP), concluded by framing his actions as a matter of national interest, asserting that the drive for technologically upgraded elections remains unstoppable despite political challenges.