Parliamentary Assembly will deploy an election observation mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina for the general elections on 4 October, underscoring the Assembly’s continued commitment to supporting democratic processes and electoral integrity across the OSCE region.
OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Vice-President Luís Graça (Portugal) has been appointed by OSCE Chairman-in-Office Ignazio Cassis as Special Co-ordinator to lead the short-term OSCE observer mission. The OSCE PA’s own delegation will be headed by Allessia Claes (Belgium). More than 70 parliamentarians and staff from across the OSCE area are expected to take part in the observation effort.
The OSCE PA will work closely with the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and the European Parliament within the framework of the International Election Observation Mission (IEOM). The joint mission will present its preliminary findings and conclusions at a press conference in Sarajevo the day after the elections.
“As the country’s tenth national post-Dayton vote, held amid deep institutional deadlock and challenges to the constitutional order, these elections are deeply significant for the country’s future,” said Special Co-ordinator Luís Graça. “As Special Co-ordinator, I look forward to leading a rigorous, impartial assessment that examines all aspects of the electoral process in line with OSCE commitments and international standards. Our presence demonstrates solidarity with the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and support for transparent, inclusive and credible elections.”
“It is an honour to head the OSCE PA delegation for these important general elections,” said Allessia Claes, Head of the OSCE PA Delegation. “As parliamentarians, we bring a unique perspective grounded in our own experience of democratic accountability. We will work closely with our international partners to deliver a balanced and evidence-based evaluation that serves the voters of Bosnia and Herzegovina and contributes to the long-term strengthening of democratic institutions.”
The observers will receive comprehensive briefings from electoral authorities, political parties, civil society and other stakeholders before deploying across the country on election day to monitor the opening of polling stations, voting, counting and the tabulation of results.
This is the 12th time the OSCE PA has observed elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina since 1996.
