The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mission) welcomes the preliminary findings and conclusions of the International Election Observation Mission , which provide a comprehensive assessment of the 4 October General Elections and highlight areas for further attention and improvement. For the first time, voters across Bosnia and Herzegovina cast their ballots with new election technologies in place countrywide. Their introduction represented a significant undertaking and an important new element of the electoral process.
The OSCE Mission to BiH has been a committed partner throughout this process. Working closely with the BiH Central Election Commission (CEC) and other partners, the Mission supported the CEC in preparations for the introduction of the new technologies and helped inform voters about what to expect on Election Day.
Introducing these technologies across the country required considerable preparation and effort. The Mission recognizes the work undertaken by the CEC in this regard. We also recognize the important contribution of the "Pod lupom" coalition and its citizen observers, whose work across the country helped provide independent oversight of the electoral process and contributed to greater transparency and public confidence.
The electoral process is ongoing, and the ODIHR Election Observation Mission continues its work. Its final assessment and recommendations will provide an important basis for considering further improvements to the electoral process.
The Mission will remain a strong partner in advancing electoral reform and supporting a process that puts integrity at its core - one in which every vote is protected and every voice counts. And in doing so it will continue working with the authorities, civil society and other partners to address identified challenges and strengthen the electoral process.
Ultimately, elections belong to citizens. We commend everyone who went to the polls, made their choice and exercised their democratic right to help shape their own future and that of their country. Their participation is what gives democracy its strength.
We also congratulate all those entrusted by citizens to represent them over the next four years. We wish them every success in fulfilling that responsibility and look forward to the timely formation and effective functioning of institutions at all levels, working effectively in the interests of all citizens.
