“Citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina will vote in local elections on Sunday, 2 October. This is an important democratic practice as well as a means of promoting public accountability. The European Union encourages all citizens to vote and support the parties and the candidates they feel will most effectively take up the issues that are close to them and their local communities.

I would like to reiterate the need for a democratic, credible and inclusive electoral process. Safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process itself, in line with international standards and best practices, is of utmost importance. These elections will be observed by international and local observers accredited by the BiH Central Election Commission, including the coalition “Pod lupom”, a joint initiative of six non-governmental organizations from BiH with 3,000 observers who will cover every second polling station in the country. The European Union welcomes the work of the election observers aimed at ensuring free and fair elections and raising awareness about any possible electoral irregularities. We call on all political subjects and election administration to treat the election observers in a fair and professional manner, in accordance with the Election Law, and to restrain from any kind of pressure or intimidation.

In response to citizens’ demands for change and moving closer to the European Union, Bosnia and Herzegovina has recently reached a very important milestone in its European integration process. There is substantial ground for further progress and the country’s leadership at all levels should now focus on the full EU agenda ahead. Voters are expecting local political leaders elected on Sunday to bring about much needed socio-economic improvements, reignite local community development and maintain the momentum to enable Bosnia and Herzegovina to make steady progress towards the EU.”