The High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina,, Christian Schmidt, imposed technical changes to the BiH Election Law, with the aim of improving the integrity of the electoral process.
“I am bringing an integrity package in the light of European integration. I want to enable technical organization, establish fair elections,” said Šmit, emphasizing that his decision represents support for the announced process of BiH’s accession to full EU membership.
He explained that in the upcoming local elections, ballot scanners will be introduced, and that secure voter identification will be ensured.
“This will be a pilot project, we will not apply this to all voting units, but only to a specific number,” said Schmidt.
He added that the technical changes do not include the introduction of electronic voting because, in his opinion, we are not yet advanced enough for that.
“Ballots will be scanned and counted correctly… This is how we will make it possible to change ballots. Citizens have the right to cast their vote and to vote only once. People have the right to be sure that their vote is counted correctly, citizens must be sure that the elected representatives represent their voice,” he pointed out.
Briefly, these changes relate to the following areas:
Improving the integrity and supervision of voting and vote counting, including greater security in the handling of election materials before and after voting, and the professionalization of polling committees.
Greater transparency during voter registration, especially when it comes to absentee voters and refugees, as well as checks on the correctness of the voter register.
More transparent and safer conduct of elections from beginning to end, which includes, among other things, electronic identification of voters, video surveillance, as well as electronic counting of votes.
Clearer protection of human and civil rights before, during and after elections, including more precise procedures for handling complaints and sanctions, and improving gender equality.
Preventing voter manipulation, including stricter measures against premature political promotion and fake news, with greater transparency when it comes to campaign and media financing.
Unhindered implementation of elections with timely provision of funds for the implementation of elections and better definition of the authority, integrity and independence of the CEC.
He said that he would have been happier if the local representatives of the government had reached an agreement on their own, but that, given that this did not happen, he must act in the interests of the citizens.
“Our elected representatives need to act. They have done a lot of work, they have done a lot, a large number of laws have been passed, but, unfortunately, no agreement has been reached regarding the Election Law,” stressed Schmidt, and added:
“Dodik told the administration that this should be done by the local electoral authorities, however, if they don’t do it, then someone else has to.”
He emphasized that this is not “Schmidt’s Law”, but “Voters’ Law in Bosnia and Herzegovina”.
He repeated that the mentioned changes are part of the 14 priorities from the Opinion of the European Commission.
“I am happy that we have the decision of the European Council, that the path to the EU has been mapped out for BiH. The slogan is ‘You are ready for Europe and Europe for citizens’. All citizens of this country should go to the polls. Voters cannot wait, we have to go further…”, said Schmidt.
Foreign referees remain
He also referred to the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, saying that foreign judges remain.
“When we talk about international judges, we have to look at the European agreements… If you do not meet European standards on a national basis, the European Court in Luxembourg will act and issue orders if there is a need, and this applies to all member states,” said Schmidt. and added:
“The international judges will stay, it’s part of the joint effort to restore peace.”
