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Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Yes, for the elections on Regional (Entity) and National level.
Source: Electoral Law: Election Law, Art. 20.13.
https://www.izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version.pdf?v-4 (2024)
Verified: 2025/06/23
BD002
Question: The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments: e) Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srspka. If the Entities fail to establish the constituencies, the delimitation defined in the Election Law will be in force.
Source: Election Law, Article 20.13.
Verified: 2025/06/23
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: The Central Election Commission (CEC) of BiH is given the mandate to review constituency boundaries every four years. This process.
The Republika Srpska (RS) entity has adopted its own election law in 2024, which attempts to establish a separate entity-level election commission with authority over elections within RS.
Source: Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Arts. 10.12, 10.2 and 11.9.
https://www.izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version.pdf?v-4 (2024)
Verified: 2025/06/23
BD004
Question: If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
Answer:
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Nada Hadzimehic, Elections Adviser, OSCE Misson to BiH Elections Department, Bosnia, nadah(a)izbori.ba
Verified: 2006/12/11
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: House of Representatives draws its boundaries (10.2); National Assembly draws its boundaries (11.2)
Source: Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Arts. 20.13, 10.2 and 11.2.
https://www.izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version.pdf?v-4 (2024)
Verified: 2025/06/23
BD006
Question: What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
Answer(s):
k . Boundaries redrawn every____period of years
Comments: K) Redrawn every four years for three different Houses of Representatives on state and two entity levels.
Source: Election Law, Article 9.11, 10.9 and 11.9
Verified: 2006/12/11
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
b . Directly elected in general elections (simple majority)
Comments: The Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina shall consist of three Members: one Bosniac and one Croat, each directly elected from the territory of the Federation, and one Serb directly elected from the territory of the Republika Srpska.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, art. 5.
http://www.ccbh.ba/osnovni-akti/ustav/?title=clan-5
Verified: 2025/06/23
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
c . Indirectly elected by legislature/chosen by parliament
Comments: The Presidency shall nominate the Chair of the Council of Ministers, who shall take office upon the approval of the House of Representatives.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, art. 5:4.
http://www.ccbh.ba/osnovni-akti/ustav/?title=clan-5
Verified: 2025/06/23
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution: Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, art. 5.
http://www.ccbh.ba/osnovni-akti/ustav/?title=clan-5
Verified: 2025/06/23
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
b . Two chambers
Comments: The legislative authority is exercised by the House of Representatives and the House of Peoples.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, art. 4.
http://www.ccbh.ba/osnovni-akti/ustav/?title=clan-4
Verified: 2025/06/23
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
g . List Proportional Representation
Comments: In addition to allocation of mandates in multi-member constituencies, there also are compensatory mandates elected from the territory of the Federation.
Source: Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina: art. 9.1 (2)
http://izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version_2018.pdf
Verified: 2025/06/23
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation
Comments: The national electoral law was amended in 2024.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
http://www.ccbh.ba/osnovni-akti/ustav/?title=preambula
Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
https://www.izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version.pdf?v-4 (2024)
OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Election Observation Mission Bosnia and HerzegovinaLocal Elections, 6 October 2024. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/7/3/576603.pdf
Verified: 2025/06/23
LF002
Question: What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
Answer:
a . January 2000 or later
Comments: The Election Law has been published in Official Gazette on 19 September 2001. Amendments were adopted in April 2006. Latest amendments were adopted in 2024. The national electoral law was amended in 2024.
Key Changes Introduced by the Amendments:
Improved Election Integrity: The amendments aimed to enhance the integrity of the electoral process, addressing long-standing issues and concerns.
Technological Advancement: The amendments included provisions for the implementation of modern technologies in the electoral process, aiming to improve transparency and security.
Professionalization of Election Administration: The amendments introduced measures to professionalize Local Election Committees and improve their selection process.
Prohibition for War Criminals: The amendments included a ban on individuals convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity, or war crimes from participating in elections or holding public office.
Campaign Finance Transparency: The amendments sought to enhance campaign finance transparency to prevent voter manipulation.
Addressing Misuse of Administrative Resources: The amendments aimed to tackle the misuse of administrative resources during the campaign period.
Promotion of Gender Equality: The amendments aimed to promote gender equality during campaigning by encouraging equal promotion of candidates of both genders in media appearances and other forms of campaigning.
In response to changes enacted by High Representative Christian Schmidt, the Republika Srpska (RS) entity adopted its own election law aiming to establish an entity-level election commission with exclusive authority over elections within RS. This RS law was temporarily suspended by the BiH Constitutional Court and later annulled.
Source: Official Gazette of BIH 11/06 and 24/06.
Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
https://www.izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version.pdf?v-4 (2024)
Verified: 2025/06/23
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections c . Local elections e . Other
Comments: Article 1.1
This law shall regulate the election of the members and the delegates of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina and of the members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and shall stipulate the principles governing the elections at all levels of authority in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Source: Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
https://www.izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version.pdf?v-4 (2024)
Verified: 2025/06/23
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
https://www.izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version.pdf?v-4 (2024)
Verified: 2025/06/23
LF005
Question: Are there provisions in the law which permit or require regional and/ or local election (s) to be held on the same day as national elections?
Answer:
d . National elections are held on the same day as local elections only
Comments:
Source: Election Law, Article 1. Paragraph (14)
Verified: 2002/05/07
LF006
Question: Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
Answer(s):
b . Presidential elections are held on the same day as national legislative elections
Comments:
Source: Election Law, Article 1. Paragraph (14)
Verified: 2002/05/07
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
b . EMB
Comments: For different types of disputes, different bodies are responsible in the first instance: Municipal Election Commission, Central Election Commission.
Source: Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, art. 6:4 & art. 6:6.
https://www.izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version.pdf?v-4 (2024)
Verified: 2025/06/23
LF008
Question: If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
Answer(s):
e . Electoral Management Body
Comments:
Source: Election Law, Article 6. Paragraph (8)
Verified: 2002/05/16
LF009
Question: Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Candidates b . Parties c . Voters d . Foreign/International Observers e . Other
Comments:
Source: Election Law, Article 6.2, Article 17.9
Verified: 2006/12/11
LF010
Question: What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
c . Superior Court
Comments: Appellate Division of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Source: Election Law, Article 6. Paragraph (12)
Verified: 2002/05/07
LF011
Question: Which body(ies) proposes electoral reforms?
Answer(s):
a . Election Management Body c . Government e . Legislature
Comments: Election Law, Article 2.9, Point 15 and Constitution/s.
Source: Election Law, Article 2.9, Point 15 and Constitution/s.
Verified: 2006/12/11
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level c . Local level
Comments: All elections covered by Election Law of BiH.
CEC shall, conduct all election activities for the elections for the members of the Presidency of BiH and the members of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH; verify and certify the lists of candidates and the candidates for all levels of direct and
indirect elections in BiH covered by this law
Source: Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina: art. 2.9.
http://izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version_2018.pdf
Verified: 2025/06/23
EM003
Question: The national electoral management body reports to:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments:
Source: Election Law, Article 2. Paragraph (9) Subparagraph 15.
Verified: 2002/05/07
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: Article 1.2a: The Budget of the Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and International Obligations of Bosnia and Herzegovina (hereinafter: the BiH budget) shall provide for the cost and expense for the conduct of elections by the Central Election Commission of BiH referred to in Article 2.9 and Article 2.19, Paragraph 12 of this Law.
Constitution: Legislation has responsibility for adopting the budget of the Federation
In line with the 2024 amendments, the CEC is now enabled to control its own budget by being authorized to submit a budget
request without it being altered by the Ministry of Finance
Source: Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, art. 1.2 http://izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version_2018.pdf
Constitution: Constitution of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, art. 4, sec.4.
http://www.ccbh.ba/osnovni-akti/ustav/?title=clan-4
ODIHR NEEDS ASSESSMENT MISSION REPORT 20-23 May 2024,Section D Election Administration.
https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/7/7/574436.pdf
Verified: 2025/06/23
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina: art. 2:9:16.
http://izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version_2018.pdf
Verified: 2025/06/23
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: For a term of 7 years.
Source: Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina: art. 2:4 (amended 2008)
http://izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version_2018.pdf
Verified: 2025/06/23
EM007
Question: The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
Answer(s):
a . Elected (specify by whom)
Comments: The chairperson shall be elected from amongst the members of the Central Electoral Commission.
Source: Election Law, Article 2. Paragraph (6)
Verified: 2002/05/16
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Election law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, art. 2.9.
http://izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version_2018.pdf
Verified: 2018/11/14
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: Article 2.5: The Central Election Commission of BiH shall consist of seven (7) members: two (2) Croats, two (2) Bosniacs, two (2) Serbs, and one (1) other member.
Source: Electoral Law: Election law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, art. 2.5.
http://izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version_2018.pdf
Verified: 2025/06/23
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments: The nominees for the Central Election Commission of BiH shall be jointly nominated by the members of the Commission for Selection and Nomination. The Central Election Commission of BiH nominees shall be legal experts with experience in the administration of elections and/or electoral experts and may not hold any office in the bodies of a political party, association or foundations organizationally or financially related to the political party, and may not be involved in any political party activity.
Source: Electoral Law: Election law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, art. 2.5 (2)
http://izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version_2018.pdf
Verified: 2025/06/23
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
c . Executive e . Legislature f . Judiciary
Comments: Commission for Selection and Nomination shall have seven members out of whom two shall be appointed by the President of the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council from amongst members of the Council, three members shall be appointed by the Administrative Commission from amongst members of the Commission from the House of Representatives of Parliamentary Assembly of BiH and two shall be appointed by the President of the Central Election Commission of BiH from amongst members of the Central Election Commission of Bosnian Herzegovina.
Source: Electoral Law: Election law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, art. 2.5 (3)
http://izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version_2018.pdf
Verified: 2025/06/23
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body c . Local/County Electoral Management Bodies i . Media
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, art. 2.9(12), 2.13 (5), 16.9
https://www.izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version.pdf?v-4 (2024)
Verified: 2025/06/23
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
b . Election time only
Comments:
Source: OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission Final Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina General Elections on 12 October 2014, Warsaw 7 January 2015
https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/bih/133511?download=true
Verified: 2025/06/23
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body j . Yes, conducted by the Media
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina: art. 16.9
https://www.izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version.pdf?v-4 (2024)
OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission Final Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina General Elections on 12 October 2014, Warsaw 7 January 2015
https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/bih/133511?download=true
Verified: 2018/11/14
VE004
Question: What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Poster/ Billboard campaigns b . Media advertisement d . Music and theater g . Internet
Comments:
Source: Nada Hadzimehic, Elections Adviser, OSCE Misson to BiH Elections Department, Bosnia, nadah(a)izbori.ba
Verified: 2006/12/11
VE005
Question: What types of civic education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Poster/ Billboard campaigns b . Media advertisement d . Music and theater e . Public meetings g . Internet h . Handouts (printed material)
Comments:
Source: Nada Hadzimehic, Elections Adviser, OSCE Misson to BiH Elections Department, Bosnia, nadah(a)izbori.ba
Verified: 2006/12/11
VE006
Question: Special voter education programs were developed at the most recent national elections for:
Answer(s):
b . Young people/ first time voters c . Women
Comments:
Source: Nada Hadzimehic, Elections Adviser, OSCE Misson to BiH Elections Department, Bosnia, nadah(a)izbori.ba
Verified: 2006/12/11
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments: Each citizen of BiH who has attained eighteen (18) years of age shall have the right to vote and to be elected (hereinafter, right to vote) pursuant to this law
Source: Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, art. 1.4 (1)
http://izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version_2018.pdf
Verified: 2025/06/23
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, art. art. 1.4 (1)
http://izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version_2018.pdf
Verified: 2025/06/23
VR003
Question: What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
Answer(s):
d . Mental disability f . Multiple Citizenship h . Other
Comments: f: Only if Bosnia and Herzegovina is not the country of his/her permanent address.
h: Individuals convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity, or war crimes
Source: Election Law, Article 1. Paragraph (5)-(6), Article 18. Paragraph (8)-(9)
Verified: 2025/06/23
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The Central Voters Register shall be made and maintained on the basis of data from official records on permanent and temporary residence of citizens of BiH maintained by a competent State authority, from other public identification documents and official records on citizens of BiH maintained by the Central Election Commission of BIH and other competent authorities and on the basis of public documents and data received directly from citizens.
Source: Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, art. 3.3
http://izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version_2018.pdf
Verified: 2025/06/23
VR005
Question: What is the registration method for national elections?
Answer:
b . Voters register
Comments:
Source: Election Law, Article 3. Paragraph (1)
Verified: 2002/05/07
VR006
Question: How frequently is the voters register updated?
Answer:
a . Continuously
Comments:
Source: Election Law, Article 3. Paragraph (1)-(2)
Verified: 2002/05/07
VR007
Question: What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?
Answer(s):
d . Registration by mail e . Appearance by voter at registration office
Comments: d: For those who are abroad.
Source: Election Law, Article 3. Paragraph (1)-(2), Article 3. Paragraph (13)
Verified: 2002/05/07
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Everyone over 18 is entered automatically
Source: Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, arts. 3.1-3
http://izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version_2018.pdf
Verified: 2025/06/23
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify requirement) f . Other
Comments: a) different number of signatures for different levels
b) different amount for different levels
f) Signed statement that the party will abide by the GFAP in BiH, and the Elec-tion Law. GFAP is The General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Initiated in Dayton on 21 November 1995 and signed in Paris on 14 December 1995).
A political party or independent candidate shall enclose a proof that the government stamps have been paid with its application for certification in the amount determined by the Central Election Commission of BiH for every election.
Every candidates list shall include candidates of male and female gender, who are equally represented. The equal representation of the genders shall exist in case when one of the genders is represented with minimum of 40% of the total number of candidates on the list.
Source: Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, art. 1.13, 4.4 and 4.16. https://www.izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version.pdf?v-4 (2024)
Verified: 2025/06/23
PC002
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
g . No information available
Comments:
Source: Nada Hadzimehic, Elections Adviser, OSCE Misson to BiH Elections Department, Bosnia, nadah(a)izbori.ba
Verified: 2006/12/11
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship f . Registration
Comments: Each citizen of BiH who has attained eighteen (18) years of age shall have the right to vote and to be elected (hereinafter, right to vote) pursuant to this law.
Source: Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, art.1.4, 4.1-11.
https://www.izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version.pdf?v-4 (2024)
Verified: 2025/06/23
PC004
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
k . No information available
Comments:
Source: Nada Hadzimehic, Elections Adviser, OSCE Misson to BiH Elections Department, Bosnia, nadah(a)izbori.ba
Verified: 2006/12/11
PC005
Question: What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship f . Registration g . Nationality group j . Other
Comments: a) 18 years.
j) The head of the state is a presidential committee involving one representative of each 'Constituent People'.
Source: Election Law, Article 1. Paragraph (4), Election Law, Article 4. Paragraphs (1)-(11), Article 8. Paragraph (1)
Verified: 2006/12/11
PC006
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
Answer(s):
e . Offences against electoral law f . Holding of military office g . Holding of government office k . Mental health problems l . Multiple Citizenship n . Holding of other public offices (police etc.) o . Other
Comments: l: Only if Bosnia and Herzegovina is not the country of his/her permanent address.
n: War criminals.
Source: Election Law, Article 1. Paragraph (4)-(8), Election Law, Article 18. Paragraph (8)-(9)
Verified: 2006/12/11
PC007
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
e . Offences against electoral law f . Holding of military office g . Holding of government office k . Mental health problems l . Multiple Citizenship n . Holding of other public offices (police etc.) p . Other
Comments: l: Only if Bosnia and Herzegovina is not the country of his/her permanent address.
n: War criminals.
Source: Election Law, Article 1. Paragraph (4)-(8), Article 8. Paragraph (1), Article 18. Paragraph (8)-(9)
Verified: 2006/12/11
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
e . In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, arts. 4.1-4.4, 4.9-4.10. http://izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version_2018.pdf
Verified: 2025/06/26
PC009
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify) b . Deposit requirement (specify) d . Other
Comments: a: 1500.
b: 2500 USD.
d: Signed statement that the party will abide by the GFAP - the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina - (initialled in Dayton on 21 November 1995 and signed in Paris on 14 December 1995)in BiH, and the Election Law.
Source: Election Law, Article 4. Paragraph (8)
Verified: 2006/12/11
PC010
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2002/05/07
PC011
Question: If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify) b . Deposit requirement (specify) d . Other
Comments: a: 1500.
b: 2500.
d: Signed statement that the party will abide by the GFAD - the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina - (Initialled in Dayton on 21 November 1995 and signed in Paris on 14 December 1995). in BiH, and the Election Law.
Source: Election Law, Article 4. Paragraph (8)
Verified: 2006/12/11
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct c . Indirect
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Law on the Financing of Political Parties of Bosnia and Herzegovina, art. 3.
https://www.izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version.pdf?v-4 (2024)
Verified: 2025/06/23
PC013
Question: If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
Answer(s):
c . As related to the election period and between elections
Comments:
Source: Law on Political Party Financing, BIH Official Gazette no. 22/00.
Verified: 2006/12/11
PC014
Question: If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
Answer(s):
a . Free media access
Comments:
Source: Election Law, Article 15.
Verified: 2002/05/07
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
a . Equal funding, regardless of size and previous performance b . Based on result of previous election e . Other
Comments: The funds from the budget are allocated to political parties, namely to the coalitions of political parties in the manner that:
a) 30% of the total amount of funds is equally distributed to all political parties, namely
the coalitions of political parties that won the mandate,
b) 60% of the total amount is distributed equivalent to the number of delegates' mandates that each political party, coalition of political parties, and/or independent candidate hold at the time of allocation.
c) 10% of the total amount is distributed to parliamentary groups proportional to the number of seats belonging to less represented gender
Source: Electoral Law: Law on the Financing of Political Parties of Bosnia and Herzegovina, art. 7.
http://izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version_2018.pdf
Verified: 2025/06/23
PC016
Question: If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
Answer(s):
c . Unspecified
Comments:
Source: Constitution,Election Law
Verified: 2002/05/21
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Law on the Financing of Political Parties of Bosnia and Herzegovina, art. 15.1.
http://izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version_2018.pdf
Verified: 2025/06/23
PC018
Question: If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
Answer(s):
c . As related to the election period and between elections
Comments:
Source: Constitution,Election Law
Verified: 2002/05/21
PC019
Question: Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
a . Public disclosure of party contributions received b . Public disclosure of party expenditure d . Ceilings on how much money a party can raise e . Ceilings on party election expenses h . Publication or public access to contribution and / or expenditure reports
Comments:
Source: Election Law, Article 14-15.
Verified: 2002/05/07
PC020
Question: Which of the following candidate financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
a . Public disclosure of candidate contributions received b . Public disclosure of candidate expenditure d . Ceilings on how much money a candidate can raise e . Ceilings on candidate election expenses h . Publication or public access to contribution and / or expenditure reports
Comments: This applies to independent candidates only.
Source: Election Law, Article 14-15.
Verified: 2002/05/07
PC021
Question: Who is responsible for administering and enforcing party income/funding regulations at national level?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management body
Comments:
Source: Election Law, Article 14. Paragraph (6)
Verified: 2002/05/07
Vote Counting
VC001
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Single ballot (all registered parties listed) e . Ability to vote for candidates within parties (personal vote) g . Different ballots used in different constituencies l . No photos or logos, only party and/or candidate names n . Random listing (lottery) p . Bilingual
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC002
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
s . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC003
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
d . Categorical (only possible to make one mark) g . Different ballot used in different constituencies l . No photos or logos, only party and/or candidate names n . Random listing (lottery) p . Bilingual
Comments: The Presidency of BiH consists of 3 members: one Bosniac, one Croat and one Serb member. Bosniac and Croat members are elected from the territory of the Federation, and the Serb member is elected from Republic of Srpska. All candidates for Bosniac and Croat member are listed on the same ballot, but each voter can vote for one member only.
Source: Election Law, Article 8.2, By-laws adopted by the CEC BIH related to the form of ballots.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments: All ballots shall be counted at the Polling Stations, except where the Central Election
Commission of BiH determines that ballots should be counted at one or more Main centers
for counting.
Absentee and By-Mail ballots are counted both in the Main Counting Center.
Source: Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Art. 5.22, 5.24, 5.25 and 5.28.
https://www.izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version.pdf?v-4 (2024)
Verified: 2025/06/26
VC005
Question: What procedures are used in the initial count?
Answer(s):
a . Separate ballots for different elections b . Preliminary count of all ballots in ballot box c . Tally of voters who voted d . Number of ballots in box reconciled against number of voters e . Number of ballots reconciled against ballots initially received (minus spoilt and unused) j . Sorted into piles according to individual party/candidate l . Counted by hand m . Sorted by party list p . Copies of results of the count are publicly posted at the counting site immediately on the completion of the count q . Copies of results are provided to observers
Comments:
Source: Election Law, Article 5. Paragraph (23)-(25)
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC006
Question: Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
Answer(s):
c . District level
Comments: Results from polling stations are sent to Municipal Election Commission for consolidation on the municipal level. Thereafter the Municipial Election Commissions sends the results to the Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Source: Election Law, Article 5. Paragraph (26)
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC007
Question: At what levels are seats allocated?
Answer(s):
d . National level
Comments:
Source: Election Law, Article 5.32.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC008
Question: How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
Answer(s):
a . Physically transported c . By fax
Comments:
Source: Source: Election Law, Article 5.26 and 5.27 and By-Laws adopted by the CEC BIH (Instruction on collection and publication of results)
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC009
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC010
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
Answer(s):
a . No security measures
Comments: This should be definied in the Rules and Regulations, which are not adopted yet.
Source: Nada Hadzimehic, Elections Adviser, OSCE Misson to BiH Elections Department, Bosnia, nadah(a)izbori.ba
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
d . By request f . Other
Comments:
Source: Election Law, Article 5.30
http://izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version_2018.pdf
Verified: 2025/06/26
VC012
Question: If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Nada Hadzimehic, Elections Adviser, OSCE Misson to BiH Elections Department, Bosnia, nadah(a)izbori.ba
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC013
Question: If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
Answer(s):
a . Political parties b . An individual candidate c . Election officials d . Domestic observers e . International observers f . Other
Comments: f: A group of 50 voters; the Central Electoral Commission on its own initiative.
Source: Election Law, Article 5. Paragraph (30) and Article 16. Paragraph (9)
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC014
Question: If recounted, who conducts the recount?
Answer(s):
i . Other
Comments: Main Counting Center established by the CEC BIH..
Source: Article 5.24 and 5.28 (Absentee and By-Mail ballots are also counted both in the Main Counting Center).
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC015
Question: Are preliminary results announced?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Nada Hadzimehic, Elections Adviser, OSCE Misson to BiH Elections Department, Bosnia, nadah(a)izbori.ba
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC017
Question: Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Election Law, Article 5. Paragraph (29)
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC018
Question: How long after the close of polls is the certified results publicly announced? (if there is no legal requirement enter the average time)
Answer:
b . days:
Comments:
Source: Election Law, Article 5.29.
Verified: 2009/11/04
Media and Elections
ME002
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: external link (link to the BIH Communications Regulatory Agency – CRA)
Verified: 2006/12/11
ME003
Question: Which of the following types of television stations are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Law on the Basis of the Public Broadcasting System and on the Public Broadcasting Service of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2002; http://www.ejc.nl/jr/emland/bih.html#2
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME004
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: http://www.ejc.nl/jr/emland/bih.html#2
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME005
Question: Which of the following do you believe best describes the print media situation at the national level in your country?
Answer:
d . No government newspaper: competition between two or more major private newspapers
Comments:
Source: http://www.ejc.nl/jr/emland/bih.html#2
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME006
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of private radio stations?
Answer:
a . Over 60%
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME008
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of private television stations?
Answer:
a . Over 60%
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME009
Question: In your opinion, which of the following types of media in your country have a public reputation for being independent?
Answer(s):
b . Private radio d . Private television e . Print media
Comments:
Source: http://www.ejc.nl/jr/emland/bih.html#2
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME014
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of the public television stations?
Answer:
a . Over 60%
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME015
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of the national level programming of the public radio stations?
Answer:
a . Over 60 %
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME016
Question: In your opinion, upon which types of media at national level in your country do citizens most rely as a source of information? Mark the most important source with 1, and the second most important source with 2:
Answer(s):
c . Private radio f . Private television g . Print media
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME017
Question: In your opinion, which of the following types of media in your country have a public reputation for being independent?
Answer(s):
b . Private radio d . Private television e . Print media
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME020
Question: Who grants licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Answer:
b . Independent regulator
Comments: b. Independent regulator
http://www.cra.ba/
Source: Suad Salkic
Election Support Unit
Cabinet of the Head of Mission
OSCE Mission to BIH
Verified: 2006/12/11
ME021
Question: Who is allowed to hold broadcasting licenses?
Answer(s):
b . Private companies f . State owned companies
Comments: Any natural or legal person.
Source: Law on the Basis of the Public Broadcasting System and on the Public Broadcasting Service of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2002.
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME023
Question: Are any journalists currently imprisoned or facing criminal charges for exercising their profession?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME024
Question: What legal instruments are used to regulate media coverage of elections?
Answer(s):
a . Law
Comments:
Source: Election Law of BIH, Chapter 16
Verified: 2006/12/11
ME025
Question: Which of the following bodies or agencies has a responsibility in the regulation of media coverage of elections?
Answer(s):
a . Statutory regulator (e.g. broadcasting licensing body) b . Voluntary regulator (e.g. media council, journalists' ethics committee) d . Legislature e . Judiciary g . EMB by law or regulations h . EMB by custom and practise
Comments:
Source: Law on the Basis of the Public Broadcasting System and on the Public Broadcasting Service of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2002; Election Law of BiH, 2001, Chapter 15-16.
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME026
Question: What form does the responsibility, if any, of the EMB to regulate media coverage of elections take?
Answer(s):
b . Requiring balance in media news coverage of an election
Comments:
Source: Law on the Basis of the Public Broadcasting System and on the Public Broadcasting Service of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2002; Election Law of BiH, 2001, Chapter 15-16.
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME027
Question: Does the EMB monitor media coverage of elections?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Law on the Basis of the Public Broadcasting System and on the Public Broadcasting Service of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2002; Election Law of BiH, 2001, Chapter 15-16.
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME028
Question: What form does the authority, if any, of the EMB to enforce remedies or sanctions against the media in case of breach of the rules on media coverage of elections take?
Answer(s):
a . Enforcement of a right of reply, correction or retraction b . Administrative penalty
Comments:
Source: Law on the Basis of the Public Broadcasting System and on the Public Broadcasting Service of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2002; Election Law of BiH, 2001, Chapter 15-16.
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME029
Question: Do political parties or candidates have a right to have their replies to inaccurate or misleading media coverage published promptly and free of charge?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Law on the Basis of the Public Broadcasting System and on the Public Broadcasting Service of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2002; Election Law of BiH, 2001, Chapter 15-16.
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME030
Question: What is the legal liability of the media if they report unlawful statements by candidates during election campaigns (e.g. defamatory or inflammatory speeches)?
Answer(s):
a . Criminal prosecution b . Administrative sanction
Comments:
Source: Law on the Basis of the Public Broadcasting System and on the Public Broadcasting Service of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2002; Election Law of BiH, 2001, Chapter 15-16.
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME031
Question: Have the media or journalists' organisations adopted a code of ethics specific to elections? Please send us a copy.
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Comment: Code of Ethics adopted by the Printed Media Council in 1999 and Broadcasting Code of Practice Amended and cleared text
Source: http://www.fpn.unsa.ba/fpn/images/stories/dokumenta/Kodeks za stampu.doc
http://www.rak.ba/en/legal/rules-codes/broadcast/codes/default.aspx?cid=3132
Verified: 2006/12/11
ME033
Question: Which body, if any, is responsible for regulating free or paid access of political parties or candidates to the media during election campaigns.
Answer:
a . EMB
Comments:
Source: Law on the Basis of the Public Broadcasting System and on the Public Broadcasting Service of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2002; Election Law of BiH, 2001, Chapter 15-16.
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME034
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide political parties with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source: Election Law of BiH, 2001, article 16 paragraph (2).
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME035
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide political parties with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source: Election Law of BiH, 2001, Chapter 16 paragraph (2).
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME036
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide political parties with free printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance g . Other (specify)
Comments: In broadcasts of the electronic media, no political entity shall have a privileged position with respect to another political entity.
The regulations of the Central Election Commission of BIH shall determine the amount of broadcast time to be allocated to the political entities, the broadcast time and duration of the broadcast, as well as the geographic regions covered by the broadcasts.
Source: Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chapter 16., 16.3, 16.14(4)
https://www.izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version.pdf?v-4 (2024)
Verified: 2025/06/26
ME039
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source: Election Law of BiH, 2001, article 16 paragraph (2).
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME040
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source: Election Law of BiH, 2001, article 16 paragraph (2).
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME041
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspaper provide individual candidates (legislative) with free printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME042
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to individual candidates (legislative)?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size and previous performance
Comments:
Source: Election Law of BiH, 2001, Chapter 15-16.
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME043
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with paid broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned b . Government owned
Comments:
Source: Election Law of BiH, Chapter 16
Verified: 2006/12/11
ME044
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned b . Government owned
Comments:
Source: Election Law of BiH, Chapter 16
Verified: 2006/12/11
ME045
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide individual candidates (legislative) with printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Election Law of BiH, 2001, Chapter 15-16.
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME046
Question: What are the criteria for allocating paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space to individual candidates (legislative)?
Answer(s):
g . Not regulated: based only on the amount the candidate wishes to spend
Comments:
Source: Election Law of BIH, Chapter 16
Verified: 2006/12/11
ME047
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide presidential candidates with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source: Election Law of BiH, 2001, Chapter 16 paragraph (2).
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME048
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide presidential candidates with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source: Election Law of BiH, 2001, Chapter 16 paragraph (2).
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME049
Question: Which of the following daily and weekly newspapers provide presidential candidates with free printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments:
Source: Election Law of BiH, 2001, Chapter 15-16.
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME050
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to presidential candidates?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size and previous performance of candidate's party
Comments:
Source: Election Law of BiH, 2001, Chapter 16 paragraph (2).
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME051
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide presidential candidates with paid broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned b . Government owned
Comments:
Source: Election Law of BiH, Chapter 16.
Verified: 2006/12/11
ME052
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide presidential candidates with paid broadcast for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned b . Government owned
Comments:
Source: Election Law of BiH, Chapter 16.
Verified: 2006/12/11
ME053
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide presidential candidates with paid printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Election Law of BiH, 2001, Chapter 15-16.
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME054
Question: What are the criteria for allocating paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space to presidential candidates?
Answer(s):
g . Not regulated: based only on the amount the candidate wishes to spend
Comments:
Source: Election Law of BiH, Chapter 16.
Verified: 2006/12/11
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
a . Yes, in presidential elections b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments: In the 2014 elections, there were only a few discussion programs in which all key candidates participated, and these discussions were for the most part not substantive.
Source: OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission Final Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina General Elections, 13 October 2014, Warsaw 7 January 2015, p. 16 https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/bih/133511?download=true
Verified: 2014/10/11
ME061
Question: Which of the following information in reporting the results of opinion polls are required to be disclosed by law?
Answer(s):
g . None
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
b . 2-3 days
Comments: 48 hours.
Source: Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Art. 16.10.
https://www.izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version.pdf?v-4 (2024)
Verified: 2025/06/26
ME063
Question: Where, if at all, may exit polls be carried out?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments: No rules on this issue.
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME064
Question: If exit polls are permitted, when can the results be disseminated via the media?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME065
Question: When are the media, by law, allowed to report preliminary election results?
Answer:
b . After all polls close, before official results are available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME066
Question: Are the media allowed to project/predict winners before the final results are available?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME067
Question: What resources does the EMB have for its work with the media?
Answer(s):
b . A press officer
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME068
Question: Have staff responsible for media relations received training for this work?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME069
Question: Which of the following has the EMB produced or organised?
Answer(s):
b . Press releases c . Press conferences/briefings e . Web site
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME070
Question: Has the EMB provided or facilitated training for journalists in how the electoral process works?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME071
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations, provide free broadcast time to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source: Election Law of BIH, Article 16.9
Verified: 2006/12/11
ME072
Question: Which of the following television stations provide free broadcast time to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments:
Source: Election Law of BIH, Article 16.9
Verified: 2006/12/11
ME073
Question: Which of the following daily and weekly newspapers provide free print space to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME074
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide paid broadcast time to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
Answer(s):
c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Suad Salkic
Election Support Unit
Cabinet of the Head of Mission
OSCE Mission to BIH
Verified: 2006/12/11
ME075
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide paid broadcast time to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
Answer(s):
c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Suad Salkic
Election Support Unit
Cabinet of the Head of Mission
OSCE Mission to BIH
Verified: 2006/12/11
ME076
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide paid broadcast time or print space to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
Answer(s):
c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Suad Salkic
Election Support Unit
Cabinet of the Head of Mission
OSCE Mission to BIH
Verified: 2006/12/11
ME077
Question: What steps does the EMB take to make sure that it is communicating its message to the media?
Answer(s):
a . It consults the media about the usefulness of materials provided to them by the EMB. d . It monitors the media coverage of its own activities.
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME078
Question: Which of the following do you judge to be significant barriers to the EMB in communicating its message to the media?
Answer(s):
c . Cost of paid advertising limiting dissemination of voter education messages
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME079
Question: Overall, how effective do you judge the EMB's ability to communicate through the media during election campaigns to be?
Answer:
b . Quite effective
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments: No, although campaign spending in general is limited
Source: Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Art. 15.9.
https://www.izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version.pdf?v-4 (2024)
Verified: 2025/06/26
Direct Democracy
DD001
Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Name and Title: Scott Withrow
Job Title: Deputy Director, Democratisation Department
Organisation: OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina
Contact Address. Fra Andela Zvizodivica 1, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Telephone: +387 33 752 100
Facsimile: +387 33 442 479
Email: [email protected]
Source
No Source
Verified
2009/08/24
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The level of applicability of these laws might be disputable. The laws were adopted when Bosnia and Herzegovina was a federal unit of Socialistic Federative Republic of Yugoslavia, which means that the scope and aims of referendum were adjusted to that system. However, the existing Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, signed as a part of the Dayton Peace Agreement, prescribes in its Annex 2, point 2 ("Continuation of Laws") that "All laws, regulations, and judicial rules of procedure in effect within the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina when the Constitution enters into force shall remain in effect to the extent not inconsistent with the Constitution, until otherwise determined by a competent governmental body of Bosnia and Herzegovina". Even though these laws were created in the old, socialistic system, it does not contain any obvious and clear inconsistencies with the Constitution and therefore - they should be valid.
There is no mention of the Rules of Procedure in either chamber of parliament. There is, however, a mention of the register being used for referendums.
Source: Law on referendum in SR Bosnia and Herzegovina, Off. Gazette 29/77 and 24/91; Law on Proceedings with Petitions and Proposals Off. Gazette 33/77, 12/87 and 27/90; Rules of Procedures of House of Representatives in the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook", (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2025/06/26
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: No mention in the Constitution.
There is no mention of the Rules of Procedure in either chamber of parliament. There is, however, a mention of the register being used for referendums.
Source: "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook", (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2025/06/26
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The level of applicability of this laws might be disputable. The law was adopted when Bosnia and Herzegovina was a federal unit of Socialistic Federative Republic of Yugoslavia, which means that the scope and aims of referendum were adjusted to that system. However, the existing Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, signed as a part of the Dayton Peace Agreement, prescribes in its Annex 2, point 2 ("Continuation of Laws") that "All laws, regulations, and judicial rules of procedure in effect within the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina when the Constitution enters into force shall remain in effect to the extent not inconsistent with the Constitution, until otherwise determined by a competent governmental body of Bosnia and Herzegovina". Even though the Law on Referendum was created in the old, socialistic system, it does not contain any obvious and clear inconsistencies with the Constitution and therefore - it should be valid. In 2016 in Republica Srpska, a referendum on keeping a state holiday was presented to voters (turnout of 56-60%). The amendment went against the BiH Supreme Court.(See https://www.rferl.org/a/balkan-tensions-rise-as-bosnian-serbs-push-ahead-with-banned-referendum/28010813.html)
There is no mention of the Rules of Procedure in either chamber of parliament. There is, however, a mention of the register being used for referendums.
Source: Law on referendum in SR Bosnia and Herzegovina, Off. Gazette 29/77 and 24/91
"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook", (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2025/06/26
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The level of applicability of this laws might be disputable. The law was adopted when Bosnia and Herzegovina was a federal unit of Socialistic Federative Republic of Yugoslavia, which means that the scope and aims of referendum were adjusted to that system. However, the existing Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, signed as a part of the Dayton Peace Agreement, prescribes in its Annex 2, point 2 ("Continuation of Laws") that "All laws, regulations, and judicial rules of procedure in effect within the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina when the Constitution enters into force shall remain in effect to the extent not inconsistent with the Constitution, until otherwise determined by a competent governmental body of Bosnia and Herzegovina". Even though the law was created in the old, socialistic system, it does not contain any obvious and clear inconsistencies with the Constitution and therefore - it should be valid.
According to the Rules of Procedure of the House of Representatives, "citizens may submit an initiative for amendments and/or amendments to the law proposers"
Source: Law on Proceedings with Petitions and Proposals Off. Gazette 33/77, 12/87 and 27/90; Rules of Procedures of House of Representatives in the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, art. 104 sec. 3.
"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook", (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2025/06/26
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: No mention in the constitution. There is no mention of the Rules of Procedure in either chamber of parliament or the electoral laws, either.
Source: "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook", (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2025/06/26
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: BUT in BiH Draft Law on Amendments to the Election Law Article 3,7 Central Election Commission of BIH may issue excerpt from the Central Voter Register also for other constituencies where elections will be conducted, in the case of a recall of the elected official and to conduct referendum, on the basis of data contained in the
Central Voter Register.
Source: "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook", (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, art. 3.1.
http://izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version_2018.pdf
Verified: 2025/06/26
DD017
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/04
DD018
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments:
Source: Law on Referendum from 1993 for Republika Srpska
Verified: 2006/11/04
DD020
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/04
DD021
Question: Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/04
DD022
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/04
DD023
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments:
Source: Law on Local Self-Government
Verified: 2006/11/04
DD024
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments:
Source: Law on Local Self-Government
Verified: 2006/11/04
DD026
Question: Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/04
DD027
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/04
DD028
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional amendments b . Adoption of international treaties c . Transfer of authority to international bodies d . National sovereignty, national self-determination e . Conflict between constitutional organs f . Devolution g . Civil service h . Taxes and public expenditure commitments i . Other public policy issues
Comments:
Source: Law on Referendum in SR Bosnia and Herzegovina
Verified: 2006/11/04
DD029
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
Answer(s):
k . None
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/04
DD043
Question: When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/04
DD044
Question: When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
Answer:
a . Always
Comments: Once the legislative body reaches decision to organise a referendum, its final result is binding. Initiatives can be included in an agenda of the session of Parliamentary Committee, which will be decided by the members of that Committee (further, it can also be discussed at the plenary session of the Parliament).
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/04
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
b . Sometimes binding
Comments: Once the legislative body reaches decision to organise a referendum, its final result is binding. Initiatives can be included in an agenda of the session of Parliamentary Committee, which will be decided by the members of that Committee (further, it can also be discussed at the plenary session of the Parliament).
Source: "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook", (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2025/06/26
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2025/06/26
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Not mentioned in the constitution
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2025/06/26
DD132
Year of introducing Direct Democracy
Question: What year were the first Direct Democracy mechanisms introduced to the legal framework?
Answer:
h . No information available
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2009/08/24
DD133
Question: What year was the first referendum/initiative held?
Answer:
h . No information available
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2009/08/24
Voting Operations
VO002
Question: Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Nada Hadzimehic, Elections Adviser, OSCE Misson to BiH Elections Department, Bosnia, nadah(a)izbori.ba
Verified: 2006/12/11
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections d . At specially designated polling stations f . By mail i . By tendered ballot
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, art. 5.12, 5.21, 5.22.
https://www.izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version.pdf?v-4 (2024)
Verified: 2025/06/26
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country c . Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation) d . Members of the armed forces e . Students f . Diplomatic staff g . Other
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, art. 1.5, 3.15, 20.8.
https://www.izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version.pdf?v-4 (2024)
Verified: 2025/06/26
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
a . Embassies b . Consulates e . By mail
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, art. 1.5, 5.21.
https://www.izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version.pdf?v-4 (2024)
Verified: 2025/06/26
VO006
Question: Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
Answer:
a . No
Comments:
Source: Nada Hadzimehic, Elections Adviser, OSCE Misson to BiH Elections Department, Bosnia, nadah(a)izbori.ba
Verified: 2006/12/11
VO007
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Nada Hadzimehic, Elections Adviser, OSCE Misson to BiH Elections Department, Bosnia, nadah(a)izbori.ba
Verified: 2006/12/11
VO008
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Nada Hadzimehic, Elections Adviser, OSCE Misson to BiH Elections Department, Bosnia, nadah(a)izbori.ba
Verified: 2006/12/11
VO009
Question: Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Election Law, Article 5. Paragraph (2)
Verified: 2002/05/07
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Article 5.14.
https://www.izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version.pdf?v-4 (2024)
Verified: 2025/06/26
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