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Bosnia General Elections, Women Remain Underrepresented
October 2022 voting polls
The victory of Ms. Željka Cvijanovic as the first woman on the Triparty Presidency in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is a milestone for women`s leadership and their representation in the decision-making process in a situation where women`s embedded political underrepresentation predominates. The low number of female candidates is indicative of the poor efforts made by the political parties in overcoming the barriers faced by their female party members. Although according to law, a minimum 40% of each gender is required on candidate lists, last October election has failed to demonstrate the effectivity of such laws as only 7% of the candidate lists exceeded this target, much to the disappointment of local women activists and politicians. The current electoral gender disparity is further evidenced through the gender composition at the level of Election Management Body where CEC BiH has only two women members.The fact that the Central Election Commission BiH, like many other countries in the world has fewer female members on board, this situation needs to be transformed without much delay. Gender balance at the level of election management body sets an institutional role model inspiration for other national institutions.
Patriarcal gender norms directly impact the scope of women`s political participation turning a blind eye on rising physical attacks, verbal abuse, sexist language and electoral violence. BiH has a long way to yet embark upon the state of full electoral gender equality.
The situation of women in the upcoming Elections
In the political scene women underrepresentation is a significant issue for the upcoming elections. According to the Election Law a minimum of 40% of women’s representation has to be covered, yet in reality only 20% is covered. Gender gap is influenced by a number of factors that affect female participation in politics that range from stereotypes on women’s efficiency in the public sphere, to negligence from the side of political parties and lack of opportunities and support. In the General Elections of 2018, while women comprised 50.1% of voters only 27.41% were elected representatives. Gender expert Lejla Mamut expressed the view that the widespread patriarchal way of thinking regarding gender roles in Bosnia and Herzegovina comprise another obstacle for women who want to be involved in politics, and even when they enter they are often exposed to attacks, sexist speech and violence. Therefore, in order to achieve true gender equality, there must be cooperation from all parts of society, and gender equality must become one of the principles of political parties. (https://politicki.ba/politika/mamut-politicarke-kao-zastupnice-ili-ministrice-bile-su-nositeljice-inicijativa/25938)
Measures to empower female participation in politics comes under the 2021-2025 EU Gender Action Plan, which aims at creating conditions for equal political participation and decision-making, as women perspective creates a holistic approach.
The public’s perception for the 2022 the elections is relatively low in BiH, and the citizens do not have trust in the fairness and integrity of the process. Indeed, several irregularities have been reported in the past and can happen during the election day, such as vote buying. Therefore, it is indicative that 60% of the public is in favor of changes in the Election Law.
The appeal to the youth is again low, as youth issues are not adequately represented and considered, yet 83% of young people are planning to vote, and 14% have no intention of appearing at the polls.
Ongoing Election Observation in Bosnia
Left: Željka Cvijanović (SNSD)
Right: Borjana Kristo (HDZ BiH)
On 2nd October 2022, Bosnia and Herzegovina is going to elections. The country has reformed and modernized the way elections are being held with the use of technologically advanced tools that aim at regulating misconduct. These initiatives as a result of the reformation of the Election Law that the High Representative Schmidt imposed have created outrage among the political parties in BiH that oppose it and filed a lawsuit against the HR. Discussions on the Election Law are still ongoing and a decision has not been announced yet, while the official election campaign started on the 2nd of September.
Several reports have identified abuses before the elections, such as misuse of public resources, and the use of hate speech. Hate speech and sexist language often is directed against women. However, the country has taken steps forward to gender equality with two female politicians being candidates for the presidency.
It is hoped that women empowerment and recognition will be achieved in the upcoming elections both for politicians and voters.
Gender Concerns has established contact with various stakeholders, such as local women organizations, who have shared with us the struggle they face in the process of election observation and securing funding for their activities.
Due to very tight time constraints it has been challenging so far to frame the scope of a possible GEOM Bosnia and Herzegovina 2022. However, we remain very involved and engaged with the situation and contacts in the country.
Following the Summit for Electoral Democracy - European Regional Forum organized by ACEEEO in Budapest in June, where Ms. Bano was invited as keynote speaker, Gender Concerns was invited to observe the 2022 General Elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The warm invite came initially from Dr. Irena Hadziabdic, a member of the Central Election Commission of the country, and it was then followed up with an official letter of invitation by the President of the CEC Dr. Suad Arnautovic.
Since then, Gender Concerns has been closely monitoring the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina from a gender perspective. For instance, we have noted that in the run for the Presidency only two candidates are women, and the situation is similar in regard to party leaders.
Bosnia and Herzegovina General Elections 2022: Election Campaign officially starts today
September 2, 2022
Today marks the official opening of the Election Campaign in Bosnia and Herzegovina going to the polls on 2nd of October.
Bosnia and Herzegovina on the way to gender equality in governance
August 26, 2022
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Bosnia and Herzegovina is on their way to gender equality in governance as 2 out of 9 Presidential candidates in the upcoming election are women.
Bosnia goes to Poll on October 2nd
August 18, 2022
We are honoured to be invited by the Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina to observe this year’s general elections.
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