The election campaign for the president of Republika Srpska officially begins tomorrow, and will last until November 22, the Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina (CIK BiH) announced. Early elections are scheduled for November 23, but their holding could be called into question – due to an appeal filed against a tender for the transport of election materials.
The campaign begins – with warnings from the CEC
As of tomorrow, political entities will be able to present themselves and their programs to voters in Republika Srpska, but the CEC warns that they must do so in accordance with the law.
“Political entities are prohibited from presenting false information through the media that could jeopardize the integrity of the election process and misinform voters,” the CEC BiH announced.
Appeal against the tender could delay the elections
Although the elections are scheduled for November 23, the process could be slowed down due to an appeal by the Sarajevo-based company TOP TLS, filed on the last day of the appeal deadline for the tender for the transport of election materials.
The deadline for reviewing the appeal is 30 days, which could jeopardize the legal deadlines for holding the elections.
The Appeals Review Office says that they have recognized the urgency of the case and announced an extraordinary session.
“The regular session was scheduled for November 13, but due to the urgency, a new one has been scheduled for November 11, at which the appeal in question will be reviewed,” the Office announced.
Experts warn of delays and obstruction
Former member of the BiH CEC Vehid Šehić warns that certain institutions are not respecting deadlines, which could jeopardize the legality of the entire process.
“We see that certain institutions involved in the election process are not respecting either the Election Law or the urgency of the procedure. If the elections are not held within 90 days of their convocation, the CEC must not miss that deadline; now it is important that the Appeals Review Office acts without delay,” Šehić emphasized.
He adds that this is a continuation of the obstruction of the electoral process, which was already slowed down due to the delayed approval of funds for the organization of the elections.
“Pod lupom”: Administration ready, postponement would be harmful
The Coalition for Free and Fair Elections “Pod lupom” says that postponing the elections should not be an option.
Hasan Kamenjaković from this coalition says:
“Any postponement of the elections can further complicate the situation. It is difficult to claim with complete certainty that these are political obstructions, but it is clear that the election administration is working on preparing the elections.”
Around 400 observers from the “Pod lupom” Coalition will be at polling stations in Republika Srpska.
Low interest of citizens
Although this is an important political process, the BHT1 poll shows that citizens in Republika Srpska are increasingly less interested in the elections. The majority of respondents say that they do not follow the news, do not believe in changes and believe that “everything will remain the same as before.”
Five political parties and two independent candidates will participate in the early presidential elections in Republika Srpska. Some political entities have already been punished for premature campaigning, and the CEC BiH says it will continue to monitor all election activities.
