High Representative Christian Schmidt said he was optimistic and that “constructive talks in Neum are on the right track”.
“As I said yesterday, the election law that everyone agrees with, which includes a balanced representation of all constituent peoples in state institutions, as well as respect for others, respecting the will of the electorate, will be adopted,” the OHR said today.
Schmidt thanked the “committed mediators”, US and European Union envoys Matthew Palmer and Angelina Eichhorst.
“I appreciate the readiness of all involved to present a nation that respects diversity and democratic principles in BiH, while preserving the European perspective for its citizens. I hope that good news will come from Neum to improve the Election Law,” Schmidt said.
Yesterday, Schmidt called on all political forces in BiH to work constructively on a new Election Law, while emphasizing that General Elections will take place in autumn 2022 with or without a new Election Law.
“Elections must reflect the will of the voters and a modern election law that ensures transparent elections according to established democratic standards and in line with decisions of the European Court of Human Rights is in everyone’s interest. At the same time, I wish to emphasize: there is a valid election law that regulates the elections precisely. In case there is no amendment to the election law, then elections will take place in autumn 2022 according to the provisions of the existing law. That is not negotiable. Democracy works according to predetermined rules and in particular, the elections must not become the subject of political maneuvers. Free, equal and fair elections are at the heart of democracy,” the High Representative stated.
