The Coalition for Free and Fair Elections “Pod lupom” informs the public that for the 2024 Local Elections, which are being held today in Jablanica following their postponement due to a natural disaster in this municipality, engaged non-partisan observers to observe elections at every third polling station in this basic constituency.
Unfortunately, the municipality of Jablanica was the most affected by the natural disaster that recently hit BiH, which is why the 2024 Local elections are held at the latest in this municipality following the postponed elections in Fojnica, Kiseljak, Konjic and Kreševo. It is clear that Jablanica is going through a difficult period of recovery and that it has taken time to create the conditions to hold elections, and that elections under these circumstances were not a priority for many citizens of Jablanica.
Legal deadlines require that the postponed elections be held within 30 days of the initially scheduled election date. Given that the elections are holding today, “Pod lupom” is ensured independent election observation in Jablanica, continuing its efforts to make the election process transparent and protect citizens’ electoral will.
Pod lupom observers will monitor all the key stages of the electoral process including the setup and opening of polling stations, the voting process, the closing of polling stations, the vote counting, the closing of polling stations and the handling of election materials. They will monitor any potential election irregularities and work to resolve them to ensure that the election process runs smoothly and in accordance with the law.
Rights of independent observers
The Coalition “Pod lupom” informs the public that all its civic, nonpartisan observers freely accessed all polling stations in Jablanica.
Although for years there have been repeated problems pertaining to the access of some nonpartisan observers to polling stations due to manipulative or procedural reasons, it is necessary also to highlight good practices and respect for the law. Unhindered access of independent observers should be ensured for every election, because in this way doubts about the regularity of the election at the polling station are removed during its setup and opening. – they state in the Coalition “Pod lupom”.
Opening of polling stations
At all polling stations, the procedures and rules related to the organization and opening of polling stations were followed. Most polling stations were opened on time, while 3 polling stations were opened with a slight delay of up to 15 minutes (126A002, 126A004, 126A013). Secrecy of voting is ensured at all polling stations. Also, observers reported that 3 polling stations (126A001, 126A018, 126A020) were not suitable for Persons with Disabilities.
The Coalition “Pod lupom” also invites citizens to share their positive or negative election experiences through the form available at https://mojeiskustvo.podlupom.org/. Citizens can also continue to report election irregularities via the toll-free number 080 05 05 05.
Regarding the election process for the postponed elections in Jablanica, the public and the media will be informed of the Coalition’s findings in real-time through press releases and media updates, which will be published on www.podlupom.org
