18/09/2026 Election observation
A pre-electoral delegation* from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) visited Bosnia and Herzegovina from 15 to 17 September 2026 to assess the electoral and political environment ahead of the general elections scheduled for 4 October 2026. The delegation met with a broad range of stakeholders to gain insight into preparations for the upcoming elections and the challenges they face.
The delegation positively noted the recent amendments to the Election Law made by the High Representative in March 2024, which introduce significant technical and procedural safeguards aimed at strengthening electoral integrity and transparency. These include the digitalisation of voting and counting procedures via ballot scanners and biometric voter identification devices, stricter criteria-based appointment procedures for members of the electoral administration at all levels and enhanced mechanisms for campaign finance reporting and media transparency.
The pre-electoral delegation commended the Central Election Committee (CEC) for its efforts in preparing for the deployment of these new technologies, conducting voter education, and train thousands of technical operators and polling stations staff. It noted that the CEC continues to face a significant staff shortage and expressed the hope that serious efforts would be made to support its work.
While stakeholders welcomed these reforms as promising for the restoration of public trust and minimising malpractice, they also expressed concern about the compressed implementation schedule.
The delegation noted that the majority of citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the overwhelming majority of stakeholders, strongly support the introduction of new election technologies as a measure to prevent electoral irregularities. It hopes that this will contribute to the general belief that each vote counts, encouraging citizens to exercise their right to vote in large numbers.
The delegation stresses that legal shortcomings, particularly with regard to residency and ethnicity-based restrictions, continue to prevent some citizens from participating fully in elections These issues, which have been repeatedly highlighted by the Venice Commission and the ODIHR, remain in breach of binding judgments from the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), such as Sejdić and Finci, judgement, where the ECtHR found violations of the right to stand for office and participate on a non-discriminatory basis. The PACE pre-electoral delegation urges Bosnia and Herzegovina’s authorities to decisively move towards constitutional and legislative reforms, so that all citizens, including minorities and those not affiliated with the constituent peoples, can enjoy equal voting and candidacy rights.
Another critical issue repeatedly raised during meetings was the deep polarisation of the political environment, which has contributed to institutional deadlocks and delays in key reforms affecting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European integration process. Many interlocutors reported challenges to the constitutional order, especially stemming from divisive actions and rhetoric by political leaders in Republika Srpska (RS). Recent events, including the repeat early election for President of RS - and subsequent complaints of irregularities such as voters casting ballots without valid ID, alleged signature forgery, and manipulation - underscore the ongoing need to strengthen the accuracy and transparency of the voter register and procedures for election dispute resolution.
Divisive rhetoric, hate speech, misuse of administrative resources, pressure put on civil servants, endemic corruption and clientelism, combined with a certain political apathy in society and a widespread lack of trust in politicians, were among the issues of concern raised by the PACE pre-
electoral delegation’s interlocutors. The campaign environment was also affected by the recent death of Ratko Mladic and the public and political reactions that followed.
The delegation welcomed the diversity and vibrancy of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s civil society. It recognises the important work of the organisation Pod Lupom, which plans to deploy significant numbers of long- and short-term observers and provide independent oversight throughout the electoral period.
The media environment remains central to the democratic process, yet stakeholders continue to express concerns about self-censorship, financial constraints – especially those impacting the public broadcaster - and recent legislative initiatives affecting media freedom, which include re-criminalisation of defamation in Republika Srpska and restrictions on non-profit organisations. The delegation calls on authorities to ensure that journalists can perform their duties free from intimidation, threats, or legal harassment, and to promote balanced and diverse coverage for all electoral contestants.
Campaign integrity and financing are also issues of concern. Although new tools have been introduced for financial reporting and oversight, persistent challenges remain regarding transparency and enforcement. The CEC’s capacity to audit campaign finance is constrained by insufficient staff and resources.
The delegation urges the authorities to ensure equal access to the electoral process for all citizens, including minorities, women, youth, and internally displaced persons. Women remain under-represented in political office, despite a 40% mandatory quota for candidate lists and progressive placement requirements. Effective enforcement and additional measures are needed to ensure genuine gender equality in elected bodies and campaign activities.
In the short time before election day, the PACE delegation urges the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina to intensify their efforts to ensure a level playing field for all electoral contestants. It encourages civil society organisations to continue playing their vital role in monitoring, reporting on, and promoting democratic standards. By implementing reforms, addressing remaining core challenges, and fostering constructive dialogue, Bosnia and Herzegovina has an opportunity to strengthen democratic values and promote public trust in its institutions.
In conclusion, the PACE pre-election delegation reiterates its call for inclusive, transparent, and trusted general elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The legitimacy of electoral outcomes will depend on the full engagement of all stakeholders, voter participation, an open and impartial electoral administration, the effective resolution of complaints and disputes, the protection of media freedom and respect for the fundamental principles of democratic fairness and respect for human rights. The delegation strongly encourages both domestic and international partners to observe all stages of the electoral process.
During its visits to Sarajevo and Banja Luka, the pre-electoral delegation met with leaders and representatives of parliamentary groups of the House of Representatives of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the National Assembly of Republika Srpska, members of the Collegia of the House of Peoples and the House of Representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Acting High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, the President and members of the Central Election Commission, the Head and Deputy Head of the ODIHR EOM, members of the diplomatic corps in Sarajevo, as well as representatives of the media and civil society.
PACE will deploy a fully-fledged election observation mission to observe the scrutiny of 4 October 2026 alongside the ODIHR, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the European Parliament and the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.
* The pre-electoral delegation comprised Jone Blikra (Norway, SOC), Head of Delegation, Ricardo Carvalho (Portugal, EPP/CD), Elisabetta Gardini (Italy, ECPA), Lucia Plaváková (Slovak Republic, ALDE), as well as Pablo Hispán (Spain, EPP/CD) and Oana Murariu (Romania, ALDE), co-rapporteurs of the Monitoring Committee (ex officio).
