The Public Institution “Center for the Education of Judges and Prosecutors in RS” (CEST RS) and the Public Institution “Center for the Education of Judges and Prosecutors in FBiH” (CEST FBiH), in cooperation with the Coalition for Free and Fair Elections “Pod Lupom,” hosted a seminar in Teslić on “Criminal Offenses against Electoral Rights.”
This important event brought together judiciary experts, prosecutors, and representatives of civil society organizations to share experiences and knowledge to improve the electoral process in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Another important aspect is the timely preparation of all relevant actors in the electoral process for identifying and efficiently prosecuting criminal offenses that may arise during the upcoming 2024 Local Elections.
“Prevention is the best repression. Everything that can eliminate the possibility of electoral fraud is always welcome. We are moving in the right direction. Unfortunately, the High Representative had to make changes to the Election Law of BiH, which is unfortunate because domestic political actors did not do it themselves. That would have sent a better message, indicating an internal willingness to change electoral rules to prevent irregularities,” says Mujkanović Zekerija, Chief Prosecutor of the Brčko District of BiH.
The seminar participants took the opportunity to review current practices and challenges in prosecuting electoral irregularities.
“We must be aware that this is an extremely complex problem, which carries its burden in terms of proving committed criminal offenses. We took one step today, and our strategic commitment is to collaborate as much as possible with other institutions outside the judiciary, not forgetting the civil sector, which is sometimes not taken seriously by state institutions,” says Murtezić Arben, Director of CEST FBiH.
Zec Slobodan, Director of CEST RS believes that many current problems will be solved by introducing new technologies into the electoral process, which will prevent certain electoral irregularities.
“The answers should not be sought in court and prosecutorial processes or from the judicial community, which should prosecute those involved. The only way to prevent such criminal behavior and violations, or the abuse of the Election Law of BiH in both general and local elections, is to introduce ballot scanning. This way, we will prevent all abuses,” says Zec Slobodan, Director of CEST RS.
The Coalition “Pod Lupom” emphasized the importance of the role of civil society organizations in detecting and reporting electoral irregularities.
“The role of civil society is very significant, as is their cooperation with state institutions, especially regarding the electoral process in BiH, because only through such a relationship can building the rule of law begin. Insisting on strict implementation and adherence to all laws, including the Election Law of BiH, which is one of the fundamental laws that, in principle, shows the democracy of a society, is crucial. Experience shows that when there is sound cooperation with the Election Commission, prosecutors, and courts in protecting the integrity and credibility of the electoral process, there are positive results, and there are many examples. That is what is very significant for us. This is the beginning of restoring citizens’ trust in the institutions of this state,” says Vehid Šehić, President of the Strategic Board of the Coalition Pod lupom.”
All actors agreed that cooperation between judicial institutions, prosecutors, civil society organizations, and other relevant subjects is vital for improving the electoral process in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was emphasized that it is necessary to continue strengthening the legal system to ensure an effective fight against criminal offenses that threaten citizens’ electoral rights. Further, it was concluded that only through coordinated work and continuous education can greater transparency and integrity of elections be achieved. This joint commitment is key to building trust in the electoral processes and democracy throughout BiH.