The Deputy Minister of Finance and Treasury of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Muhamed Hasanović, announced today that the Instruction on the allocation of funds for the introduction of new election technologies was signed by him in the middle of last year, and the funds are planned in the Budget for 2025.
He added that after the end of 2025, different interpretations appeared, including claims that funds are no longer available, which come from those who are not interested in the implementation of new technologies.
He states that in the meantime, the Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina requested the transfer of funds to 2026 in order to continue the process of public procurement, which is why it was necessary to carry out a technical transfer.
“The Minister of Finance consciously refused this and thus directly blocked the continuation of the project. Such behavior cannot be seen as a simple administrative decision, but as a serious obstruction of the process that should ensure fair and transparent elections. Citizens should know that the introduction of modern technologies obviously does not suit those who have been profiting from electoral manipulation and vote theft for years,” stated Hasanović.
According to him, with an authentic interpretation, the Office of the High Representative gave him a clear opportunity to ensure the continuation of the process, which he did in accordance with the law and his powers.
“The Social Democratic Party of Bosnia and Herzegovina, like me personally, has a simple goal – fair, transparent and technologically advanced elections. That process will not be stopped, regardless of attempts to challenge it. This is another proof that my move to reject the position of Director of the Tax Administration of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina was correct and statesmanlike, and that the interest of our only homeland must come before personal interest,” Hasanović pointed out.
He called on the prosecutor’s office to determine the responsibility of the minister’s failure to act regarding the failure to sign the instruction, and that “finally someone must and should be held accountable for a series of obstructions that occurred,” Hasanović’s office announced.
