BS
The Coalition for Free and Fair Elections “Pod lupom” has officially launched an independent, citizen-based, and non-partisan election observation mission for the 2026 General Elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This year’s electoral process is marked by the introduction of biometric voter identification and authentication, as well as ballot scanning, representing a historic step forward in safeguarding election integrity. However, the implementation of these electoral technologies has been accompanied by delays and numerous challenges, resulting in key changes being introduced within a limited timeframe.
One potential change, introduced relatively late, concerns the design of the ballot, which has not yet been officially confirmed and, according to publicly available information, will not include the names of candidates. This represents a significant departure from previous practice.
“While we are discussing the most important and historic changes in the electoral process today, it is equally important to ensure that the most significant changes affecting voters themselves are presented in a timely manner and clearly explained,” said Dario Jovanović, Project Manager of the “Pod lupom” Coalition, at the press conference.
The “Pod lupom” Coalition has also been monitoring the electoral process prior to the official start of the observation mission and has so far recorded a total of 38 electoral irregularities, the majority of which relate to premature campaigning. Based on the Coalition’s reports, the Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina has so far imposed five sanctions totaling BAM 22,500.
Regarding the sanctioning of electoral irregularities, particular concern arises from the practice observed in this electoral cycle whereby premature campaigning—although prohibited by law from the day elections are called—has not been sanctioned until the certification of political entities and candidates. Such an approach has resulted in the absence of sanctions for a significant number of recorded cases, as well as inconsistencies compared to previous electoral cycles, thereby negatively affecting the integrity of the electoral process,” stated Alma Bajrić, Legal Advisor of the “Pod lupom” Coalition, at the press conference.
The “Pod lupom” Coalition calls on all citizens to report any observed electoral irregularities via the toll-free number 080 05 05 05 or through the online form at https://neregularnosti.podlupom.org/, including anonymous reports.
The Coalition also invites all interested individuals to apply as non-partisan election day observers and directly contribute to safeguarding the electoral will of citizens. Applications are available via https://ukljucise.podlupom.org/ or through the toll-free number provided above.
