Bosnia and Herzegovina held local elections on October 6, 2024, just days after devastating floods claimed at least 16 lives. Despite the tragedy, the elections proceeded, showcasing the resilience of the democratic process in the face of adversity.
Key Takeaways
- Local elections took place shortly after deadly floods.
- Major national parties maintained control in smaller towns.
- Voter turnout was approximately 47%.
- Observers noted improvements in electoral integrity but highlighted a lack of public engagement.
Context of the Elections
The local elections were conducted under the shadow of recent natural disasters, with rescue operations ongoing in flood-affected areas. The Central Election Commission (CEC) postponed voting in four municipalities severely impacted by the floods. A total of 110 political parties participated, with over 25,700 candidates vying for local council seats and mayoral positions.
The elections were marked by significant reforms aimed at enhancing electoral integrity, following previous reports of fraud. The EU and international bodies funded these reforms, which included new technologies to ensure election integrity. International observers monitored the elections, providing a layer of oversight to the process.
Election Results
Preliminary results indicated that major national parties retained their grip on local governance, particularly in smaller towns. Key outcomes included:
- Republika Srpska: The Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD) won 81% of mayoral contests, securing 51 out of 63 municipalities.
- Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina: The Trojka coalition maintained most of its mayoral seats, with the Party of Democratic Action (SDA) winning 34 mayoral positions, an increase from the previous election.
- Urban Centers: Major parties struggled to gain traction in larger cities like Banja Luka and Tuzla, indicating a potential shift in urban political dynamics.
Observations and Challenges
International observers from the OSCE and the Council of Europe noted that while the elections were well-organized, there were significant challenges:
- Public Engagement: Voter turnout was low at just over 47%, reflecting a lack of genuine public engagement in the electoral process.
- Gender Representation: Women remained underrepresented in political roles, with few female candidates for mayoral positions.
- Election Integrity: Although improvements were noted, issues such as pressure on voters and compromised voting secrecy were reported, indicating that further reforms are necessary.
Looking Ahead
The elections serve as a critical juncture for Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting the need for continued reforms to bolster public trust in the electoral process. Observers emphasized the importance of fostering public engagement and addressing gender disparities in political representation.
As Bosnia prepares for future elections, the lessons learned from this electoral cycle will be vital in shaping a more inclusive and transparent democratic process. The international community’s role in supporting these reforms will be crucial as the country navigates its complex political landscape.
Sources
- Bosnia holds local elections just days after deadly floods | Euronews, Euronews.
- Local elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina were competitive amidst legal reform but lacked genuine public engagement, international observers say | OSCE, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
- Bosnia’s Big Parties Maintain Grip Outside Cities in Local Elections | Balkan Insight, Balkan Insight.
- Local elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina: improved electoral process but lack of genuine public engagement – Portal, The Council of Europe.
- Local elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina: improved electoral process but lack of genuine public engagement – Portal, The Council of Europe.
