The High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC) of Bosnia and Herzegovina must lead by example, the European Union’s ambassador Johann Sattler stressed on Wednesday, the day when this top judicial institution is electing its new leadership.

“I expect the HJPC leadership elected today will restore the trust of citizens in an independent and impartial judiciary and put critical judicial reforms back on track,” Sattler tweeted, stressing this was an important day for both this institution and the rule of law in general.

Important day for HJPC and the rule of law. I expect the HJPC leadership elected today will restore the trust of citizens in an independent and impartial judiciary and put critical judicial reforms back on track. The HJPC must lead by example. ????

— Johann Sattler (@josattler) February 10, 2021

“The HJPC must lead by an example,” he added.

The US Embassy in Bosnia conveyed a message on the same occasion, calling for the improvement of judicial integrity.

“It is of utmost importance that new HJPC leadership commit to improving judicial integrity, as required to restore citizen confidence and meet EU requirements for strengthened rule of law,” the embassy tweeted.

It is of utmost importance that new HJPC leadership commit to improving judicial integrity, as required to restore citizen confidence and meet EU requirements for strengthened rule of law. https://t.co/hORlBX8N97

— US Embassy Sarajevo (@USEmbassySJJ) February 10, 2021

A two-day session of the Council commenced on Wednesday and the election of its leadership is among the top items on agenda.

HJPC member Sanela Gorusanovic-Butigan has been at the helm of the Council since mid-December after former President Milan Tegeltija resigned amid an appointment affair allegedly involving him and other judicial officials.