Today, 15 February 2026, citizens of Općina Vareš are voting for the Mayor in the Early Elections, while the Coalition for Free and Fair Elections “Under the Lens” is conducting a civic, non-partisan election observation mission to ensure that the elections are carried out in accordance with legal rules and procedures.
The Coalition “Under the Lens” has deployed independent election day observers (STOs) to all 20 polling stations in Općina Vareš. Election observation at polling stations is conducted continuously, from the preparation and opening of polling stations, through the voting process, to the closing of polling stations, counting of ballots, packing of election materials, and announcement of results. In addition, a mobile team has been established to visit polling stations and respond to any reported serious irregularities requiring additional verification.
Access of Independent Observers to Polling Stations
All accredited observers of the Coalition “Under the Lens” were granted timely and unobstructed access to all polling stations in Općina Vareš this morning and began their observation without interruption.
It is particularly commendable that the election administration, especially the members of polling boards in Općina Vareš, facilitated uninterrupted access for accredited observers, considering that such practices are not consistently observed in all electoral units. This professional approach, combined with adherence to laws and regulations, represents an important standard and contributes to strengthening the integrity of the elections, the Coalition stated.
Opening and Preparation of Polling Stations
Observation of the opening and preparation of polling stations represents the first stage of the election day systematically monitored by the Coalition “Under the Lens.” During this stage, data were collected on the timely opening of polling stations, presence and composition of polling boards, availability and completeness of election materials, and adherence to prescribed procedures in preparing polling stations for voting.
Opening Times of Polling Stations
The majority of polling stations opened on time without significant delays. At exactly 7:00 a.m., 80% of observed polling stations (16 PS) were open, while the remaining 20% (4 PS) opened between 7:01 a.m. and 7:15 a.m.
The Coalition “Under the Lens” noted isolated cases of procedural lapses or non-compliance with legal provisions. Key observations during the opening and preparation phase include:
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Approximately 35% of polling stations were not fully accessible to persons with disabilities using wheelchairs or other aids.
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At 2 polling stations, not all members of the polling board were present at 6:00 a.m.
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At 1 polling station, within the legally prescribed 50-meter radius, markings potentially representing political promotion were observed.
Additionally, the Coalition monitored the gender composition of polling board chairpersons, finding that 60% were women and 40% were men. The appointment of a significant number of women as polling board chairpersons demonstrates that women play an active role in the electoral process in Općina Vareš.
All polling stations received sufficient sensitive election materials. Ballot boxes were empty and verified before sealing, manual counting of ballots was conducted prior to opening, and voting secrecy was ensured. Lists of polling board members were prominently displayed at all polling stations.
Call to Political Subjects and Citizens
“We call on all political actors and candidates to conduct the election day in the spirit of democratic culture and in full compliance with the law. At the same time, we expect competent institutions, election administration, police, and prosecutors to respond efficiently and impartially to any irregularities,” stated the Coalition “Under the Lens.”
The Coalition also calls on citizens of Općina Vareš to exercise their voting rights and to report any irregularities via the toll-free hotline 080 05 05 05 or through the Coalition’s official social media channels.
Upcoming Findings
The Coalition “Under the Lens” is monitoring voter turnout throughout the election day, providing independent data on voter participation in Općina Vareš. Turnout data will be published at three intervals: 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m.
In the evening, after polling stations close and field data have been collected, the Coalition “Under the Lens” will release preliminary results for the mayoral elections in Općina Vareš based on reports from its observers.
The next press release on the voting process, turnout, and election irregularities will be published by the Coalition “Under the Lens” on its website, www.podlupom.org, at 4:00 p.m.
