Political changes in Macedonia and the election of Zoran Zaev (SDSM) as Prime Minister represent a new wind in the region, especially for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Zaev’s Social Democratic Union of Macedonia(SDSM) has become the key party in the new government of the Republic of Macedonia. Zaev’s political doctrine is based on the “one society for everyone” concept, i.e. the society that is inclusive for everyone regardless of their ethnic, religious, political or any other affiliation and in which everyone strives for the prosperity of the country and all its citizens. The concept was also well accepted among some Bosnian-Herzegovinian politicians such as Denis Bećirović whose political concept is based on Bosnia and Herzegovina as one country for all its citizens. His inclusive politics represents a new quality on BiH political scene, and his candidacy for BiH Presidency has received broad support from a range of different political actors and individuals. This could be the basis for forming a strong pro-Bosnian front. The victory of Bećirović and his concept at election would give hope, especially to the young generation, that changes are possible in this country. Bosnia and Herzegovina may give birth to its own Zaev at the forthcoming election, but that requires changes in circumstances in the neighbouring countries and at the international level.
The concept of national and nationalist parties has proven to be baleful for Bosnia and Herzegovina, since it is contrary to the country’s very essence. The concepts of multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural society represent the values for which Bosnia and Herzegovina and its citizens are recognised as unique and admired in the world.
Experience has shown that the national and nationalistic concepts have devastated this country for the past 30 years: the 1990s war was followed with the development of nationalistic-criminal politics that have turned this country with enormous potentials into the poorest state in Europe. At the forthcoming elections BiH citizens will have the opportunity to decide whether they want changes or they still support the devastating politics and clerical-nationalism that have brought them nothing but decades of regression. Voting for changes in Bosnia and Herzegovina with a pen in the hand would be the sign that the spirit of Macedonian Prime Minister Zaev and his success in the Republic of Macedonia is spreading in the region. The election campaign will provide certain answers regarding the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Analysts have noted that about 50% of BiH citizens do not turn out at elections, which means that election results in Bosnia and Herzegovina are not decided by those who vote but by those who do not vote. Therefore, unsparing efforts should be made to “wake up” those passive voters, especially the young, and ensure the atmosphere in which they would give their votes to reputable and uncompromised candidates. Stopping massive emigration from Bosnia and Herzegovina will probably be the most important task for future politicians. The participation of women and the young in BiH politics is minimal. The long-standing political structures have created barriers for those who are not under their direct or indirect control to prevent them from entering the political scene. Introduction of compulsory voting should be considered in Bosnia and Herzegovina following the model in some other democratic countries which require eligible citizens of lawful age to vote at elections and impose penalties on citizens who fail to turn out and cast a vote.
(Source: ifimes, klix)
