The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has launched an election observation mission for the upcoming local elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina, scheduled for October 6.

Corien Jonker, head of the ODIHR mission, announced at a press conference in Sarajevo that the mission began following an official invitation from the relevant authorities and a needs assessment conducted in May. The core team consists of 11 international experts based in Sarajevo, with 20 long-term observers arriving next week to be deployed across the country. Additionally, 300 short-term observers will join just before the elections.

The mission will evaluate whether the elections adhere to OSCE standards and domestic laws. Observers will closely monitor key aspects such as the election campaign, both offline and online, the work of election administration, media coverage, and any election-related disputes. They will also assess the implementation of previous ODIHR recommendations.

Jonker emphasized that the mission focuses on the election process, not the results. Interim reports will be published two weeks before the elections, with a preliminary statement released the day after the vote. A final report, including recommendations, will be available a few months later.