Local Elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Election Analysis

Author: Damir Kapidžić

Year: 2016

Title: Local Elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Election Analysis

Journal: Contemporary Southeastern Europe

Issue & pages: vol. 3, no. 2, pages 127–134

Abstract:

Local elections for municipal and city councils and municipal and city mayors were held in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) on 2. October 2016. These were the sixth local elections since the Dayton Peace Agreement. There was generally not much expectation for significant change in BiH politics, and the elections were seen as a test on to what extent the major political parties are familiar with citizens’ concerns, especially at the local level. A change in the Electoral Law a few months ahead of the elections had increased the importance of party structures and party leaders in determining the allocation of seats among candidates from party lists, while decreasing the influence of voters. Coupled with an electoral system that favors small parties, this could potentially result in further fragmentation of the party system.

Keywords: Local Elections, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Referendum