The preliminary assessment of election day by the Coalition “Pod lupom” for the Repeat Early Elections indicates that, based solely on the methodology of direct observation at polling stations, the electoral process largely proceeded in accordance with the applicable legal rules and prescribed procedures. However, certain deviations were recorded at individual polling stations, which, in isolated cases, may have affected the voting results at those specific locations.
Additionally, observer access during these elections was hindered by decisions of the CEC BiH, as well as on the ground due to arbitrary interpretations of procedures and rules by the election administration. This represents a step back from the democratic standards and electoral practices achieved in previous cycles.
At the same time, the overall picture of election day cannot be viewed solely through findings at polling stations. A significant number of indications of electoral irregularities were recorded outside the scope of direct observation, including pressure on voters around polling stations, the maintenance of parallel lists of voters who cast ballots, indications of partisan-formed polling boards with politically affiliated chairpersons, and possible vote buying. The scale and frequency of these cases raise justified doubts regarding the full regularity of election day. In this context, even with formal compliance at most polling stations, the potential impact of irregularities on voter choice cannot be entirely ruled out.
The preliminary assessment of election day confirms that:
- Electoral technologies in the form of electronic voter identification and ballot scanners must be applied at all polling stations, which would prevent the electoral irregularities that prompted these repeat elections;
- Police and prosecutors must urgently investigate and prosecute all forms of unlawful pressure on voters to ensure that election results reflect the true will of citizens;
- Election administration must be freed from any political influence in accordance with the law; and
- The implementation of independent election observation must be encouraged by institutions, with observers’ access to polling stations facilitated.
Download the preliminary assessment: POD LUPOM PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF ELECTION DAY February 9, 2026
