SARAJEVO, 30 August 2024 – In a crucial step towards upholding democratic standards, the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has officially opened an election observation mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the upcoming local elections scheduled for 6 October 2024. This initiative follows an official invitation from the national authorities and the results of a needs assessment mission conducted in May.
The mission is led by Corien Jonker, who will lead a core team of 11 international experts based in Sarajevo. In addition, the mission will deploy 20 long-term observers throughout the country starting on 6 September. To further strengthen observation efforts, ODIHR plans to request an additional 300 short-term observers, who are expected to arrive several days before election day.
The main objective of the mission is to assess the compliance of the elections with OSCE commitments, international obligations and standards for democratic elections, as well as with the domestic legislation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The observers will meticulously monitor key aspects of the electoral process, which include offline and online campaign activities, the performance of the election administration at all levels, the implementation of electoral legislation and the overall respect for fundamental freedoms.
Particular attention will also be paid to assessing the work of public and private media during the electoral period and monitoring the resolution of any electoral disputes that may arise. In addition, observers will assess the implementation of previous ODIHR recommendations related to electoral processes in the region.
Engagement with a wide range of stakeholders is an integral part of the observation mission. This includes meetings with national authorities, political party representatives, civil society organizations, the media and members of the international community. Such interactions will provide essential information on the electoral environment and the challenges faced during the electoral period.
To keep the public informed, ODIHR will issue an interim report approximately two weeks before the elections, detailing the mission’s observations and activities up to that date. Following the elections, a summary of preliminary findings and conclusions will be presented at a press conference the day after the election. A comprehensive final report assessing the entire electoral process, with recommendations for future improvements, will be issued in the months following the elections.
As Bosnia and Herzegovina approaches these crucial local elections, ODIHR’s commitment to monitoring and evaluating the democratic process underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in fostering a strong electoral environment.
Originally published in The European Times.
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