OSCE observers arrive in Bosnia and Herzegovina to observe general elections

WARSAW, 30 August 2010 - The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today formally opened an election observation mission for the general elections to be held in Bosnia and Herzegovina on 3 October. 

The mission's deployment follows an invitation from the Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina. All OSCE participating States are committed to invite ODIHR to observe their elections.

The mission, headed by Ambassador Daan W. Everts of the Netherlands, comprises eight international election experts, each from a different OSCE participating State, and is based in Sarajevo. In addition, 20 long-term observers will be deployed throughout the country from 2 September.

The mission will assess the elections for their compliance with standards for democratic electoral processes, including commitments agreed to by all OSCE participating States, as well as national legislation.

Observers will closely monitor and report on all aspects of the conduct of the elections, including issues related to the legal framework for the elections, the performance of the election administration, the coverage of the campaign by the media, and election-day procedures.

Shortly before election day, approximately 300 short-term observers will be deployed throughout the country to monitor the opening of polling stations, the voting, the counting of ballots and the tabulation of results.

ODIHR has observed eight elections in the country since 1996. For these elections, the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission will join efforts with the delegation of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.

More information on the mission, including a needs assessment report, can be found on the OSCE website at //www.osce.org/odihr-elections/item_12_45817.html

The OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission and the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina operate separately under their specific mandates.