ODIHR experts visit Bosnia and Herzegovina for discussions on electoral reform as part of Western Balkans election support project
A team of experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) was in Bosnia and Herzegovina from 13 to 17 November 2017 for a consultation and planning visit as part of the ODIHR project “Support to Elections in the Western Balkans”.
The ODIHR team met with senior officials from the Ministries of Foreign and Internal Affairs and the Central Election Commission, as well as with representatives of parliamentary committees, the public broadcaster, media regulatory bodies, civil society organizations and the international community, including the delegation of the European Union. The visit was organized with the support of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In-depth consultations were held with key stakeholders regarding electoral reform needs, to identify main actors and their roles and responsibilities, and encourage an open and consultative process. Discussions focused on election administration, voter lists and the role of media during campaigns.
“Ahead of the 2018 general elections, ODIHR stands ready to support Bosnia and Herzegovina in improving its electoral legal framework and practices, taking into consideration ODIHR recommendations,” said Alexander Shlyk, Head of the ODIHR Elections Department.
Following the visit and based on open consultations with electoral stakeholders and international electoral assistance providers, the experts will identify needs for electoral assistance and develop a strategic plan to ensure that the project’s activities complement, rather than duplicate, those of other electoral assistance providers.
This was the second of six visits – one to each of the six beneficiaries of the project – to be undertaken. The project is funded by the European Union and the Austrian Development Agency.
All OSCE participating States have committed themselves to promptly follow up on ODIHR election assessments and recommendations. ODIHR has consistently supported the effective follow-up of recommendations, and the 2016 Handbook on the Follow-up of Electoral Recommendations outlines ODIHR’s approach in this important area.