Pod lupom: A historic breakthrough as a new era of elections begins in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Coalition for Free and Fair Elections 'Pod lupom' welcomed the long-awaited introduction of new technologies into the electoral process, describing it as a historic step forward in improving elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The implementation of new electoral technologies represents the biggest step so far toward reducing proven election irregularities on election day and strengthening citizens' trust in the electoral process. This decision is also the result and victory of years of advocacy and joint efforts by citizens, civil society organizations, and international partners to establish free and fair elections, the Coalition 'Pod lupom' said in a statement.

The Coalition emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina is now entering a crucial phase of implementation, during which it will be necessary to ensure the full technical and operational readiness of the new solutions. This includes adapting the new election technologies to the specific features of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s electoral system, thoroughly testing them, and providing comprehensive training for election administrators and voters on their proper use.

At the same time, it is of vital importance to ensure the possibility of independent and inclusive testing and verification of the new election technologies before they are fully deployed on election day, with the presence of independent observers, political entities, and the media, to further guarantee the integrity of the electoral process.

In the coming period, the Coalition will also launch its independent citizen election observation mission for the upcoming General Elections, within which it will monitor the election administration, election irregularities, political campaigns, and media coverage, while also actively monitoring the implementation of the new election technologies.