by Charge d’Affaires, a.i. Nicholas M. Hill.
Throughout this campaign season, I have been encouraging voters in BiH to focus on the issues and not be distracted by candidates who promise nothing but pride and solidarity. Ethnic or national pride is vitally important to personal identity for many people, but it isn’t going to put food on the table, and it has been used too much in the last 25 years to manipulate voters.
What I hear, and polls confirm, is that citizens across this country are most concerned about finding employment and providing for their families. BiH has the second highest rate of unemployment in Europe at a staggering 28 percent. That number more than doubles among youth. The 59 percent youth unemployment here makes BiH the worst place on the continent for a young person looking for a job. Why? In part because this country is the most difficult place in Europe to do business according to the World Bank.
The statistics tell the story – voters in this country need jobs – for themselves, their children, their grandchildren. They want a salary that provides them a decent standard of living. They want to know that the money they give the government will contribute directly to their personal well-being and that of their family now, and in the future. Now is the time to ask candidates how they plan to make these things a reality.
Employers here face huge challenges – the laws governing how to start a business are complicated, regulations dictating how to run one unclear, and the corruption the typical business person faces can be unbearable. Add to that limited protection of property rights, inefficient government institutions, and a lack of investment in the infrastructure companies rely on to operate. Local businesses will tell you it is often seriously frustrating to accomplish what should be routine tasks, like getting a construction permit or electricity turned on, with bribe seekers often obstructing progress. The business environment hasn’t improved much, certainly not enough to remove these hurdles.
To attract investment, this country already has a capable, competitive workforce, which if not for a bad business climate, would be highly in demand—particularly given its proximity to the world’s richest market. But first there needs to be respect for the rule of law and a capable, efficient justice system. The clogged court system in BiH means it can take years for a case to be brought to trial. Investors stay away from countries where contracts cannot be enforced and disputes resolved within a reasonable amount of time. Reforms are needed to turn cases around faster, provide more straight-forward rules for running a business, and protect both employers the people who work for them.
Voters understand that changes are needed to make it easier to open companies and hire people. The goal is clear: with an improved business climate and reduced corruption, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s own visionaries will be able to emerge and turn their dreams of owning and growing their own businesses into reality. Innovative, creative, ambitious people should not have to struggle with the decision to suffer in the home they love, or seek opportunities in other countries. Too many talented citizens have had to make this difficult choice in order to provide for their families, and the country needs them back.
You will vote in just less than two weeks. To be ready to cast your ballot based on facts and not just fear, I urge you to stay focused on critical issues like the economy. Engage in heated discussion, ask hard questions, and promote legitimate debate on your highest personal priorities – things like ensuring your family’s financial security. Ask your political parties how they plan to fix the economy, and what they have done in the past to help make this country as prosperous as it could and should be. Question what they will do after the election to unleash the potential of this country and whether they can be trusted to act on campaign promises. Reject empty promises by holding leaders accountable before, during, and after the elections.
