A WEB

The 2016 A-WEB Election Visitor Program (EVP) was held from 29 September to 5 October 2016 for the Local Elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) on 2 October 2016.

A total of 47 participants from 19 countries, headed by Dr. Nasim Zaidi, Chief Election Commissioner of India, participated in this observation mission.

During the first A-WEB Briefing, A-WEB gave an Introduction of A-WEB and the EVP as well as the Political and Social Background of BiH. The second A-WEB Briefing was held the next day with A-WEB presentations on Introduction of Electoral System of BiH, Election Management including Voting and Counting Procedure, Issues in Local Elections of BiH, and Observation Methodology, followed by a lively question and answer session.

On Election Day, Sunday, 2 October 2016, participants observed the Opening, Voting, and Closing and Counting in various polling stations.

The next day started with a Group Debriefing in which they exchanged opinions on polling station observation results after which participants returned from their areas of observation in Banja Luka and Mostar to Sarajevo.

On the following day, a General Debriefing was held with Opening Remarks by Dr. Nasim Zaidi, Observation Results from Sarajevo, Banja Luka, and Mostar, and an Overall Assessment of 2016 EVP. Participants were able to share their experiences in election observation and enhance their understanding of different election systems in their home countries.

Participants were able to experience first-hand the complex electoral structure that was designed to create stability and ensure the fair representation of BiH's three constituent peoples- Bosniaks (or Muslims), Croats and Serbs.