As general elections draw closer, the political scene in Bosnia and Herzegovina is increasingly shifting into a pre-election mode marked by blockades and stagnation rather than reform. Institutions appear paralyzed, and citizens are growing more skeptical about whether the upcoming electoral process will be fair and transparent.
At the center of concern is the prolonged delay in procuring modern electoral technology—seen as a crucial tool in preventing manipulation and restoring public confidence. Although the Election Law предусматриes the introduction of innovations such as biometric voter identification and ballot scanning, amendments have remained stalled for months due to the ongoing blockade in the House of Peoples.
The situation has been further complicated by new procedural obstacles. The Central Election Commission selected the company Smartmatic as the most favorable bidder for a project worth approximately 74 million BAM. However, shortly after the decision, complaints were filed, forcing the Commission to submit full documentation to the Complaints Review Office. Until a final ruling is made, the entire process remains on hold—while time continues to run out.
Delegate Zlatko Miletić warns that the lack of political will could render the elections meaningless.
“We have amendments to the law in procedure, but there is clearly no political will at this moment to adopt such legislation. If we fail to implement this before the general elections, organizing elections under these conditions would be illusory. Those who have been winning so far will continue to win,” Miletić stated.
A similar view is shared by delegate Džemal Smajić, who emphasizes that responsibility also lies with the High Representative.
“A great responsibility lies with the High Representative, who must act decisively. He has taken some positive steps, and I hope he will continue until we ensure fair and credible elections that reflect the true will of citizens,” Smajić said.
However, uncertainty surrounds whether High Representative Christian Schmidt will intervene again, especially amid increasing speculation about his possible departure.
Opposition representatives from Republika Srpska, who have long accused the ruling SNSD of electoral irregularities, see technology as a key safeguard. Delegate Želimir Nešković expressed concern that without reforms, the process risks losing all meaning.
“I want to believe we will have at least somewhat fair elections in October. Otherwise, everything becomes pointless. It is evident that certain political actors want to maintain a monopoly over an electoral process that suits them,” he said.
Nenad Vuković, another opposition delegate, remains cautiously optimistic, expressing confidence that ongoing obstructions—both political and procedural—will eventually be overcome.
If the planned equipment—nearly 6,000 devices for biometric identification and an equal number of ballot scanners—fails to arrive on time, Bosnia and Herzegovina risks more than just a technological setback. It risks losing what many see as the last opportunity to restore trust in its electoral system.
In a country where doubts about elections have become the norm, technology was meant to be part of the solution. For now, it appears to have become yet another obstacle.
