Will the training of the voters and the election administration be done on time?

The general elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina are scheduled for October 4th, marking a significant moment in the country's political landscape. These elections will be conducted using new technologies, including biometric identification and scanning of ballots, which have not been used in previous electoral processes. The Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina (CIK BiH) has entrusted the procurement of these technologies to the American company Smartmatic, whose involvement has raised both expectations and concerns among various stakeholders.

The implementation of these new technologies requires extensive preparation, particularly concerning the training of election administration personnel. According to reports, while some training sessions have already taken place, they primarily focus on sub-legislative acts rather than the actual use of the new technology. This distinction highlights the complexity of integrating advanced systems into existing electoral frameworks. The local election commission in Banja Luka confirmed that training related to the new technologies had not yet begun, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation before the election day.

The CIK BiH has expressed confidence that all preparations will be completed in time for the elections. They have collaborated with the Office of the High Representative (OHR) to conduct comprehensive capacity-building programs aimed at ensuring professional and transparent elections aligned with international standards. These efforts include educational initiatives targeting municipal and city election commissions, aiming to equip them with the necessary skills to manage the new technologies effectively.

Experts believe that the introduction of these technologies could enhance the transparency of the electoral process. For instance, Srđan Ostojić from the Coalition "Under the Lens" explained that machines would automatically input data regarding the number of ballots and even preliminary results. After the polling stations close, traditional counting would follow, performed by the voter committees. This dual verification system aims to reduce opportunities for fraud, although challenges remain in preventing vote-buying practices that often occur prior to elections.

Ivana Korajlić from Transparency International BiH acknowledged that while new technologies can improve the integrity of the electoral process, they cannot entirely eliminate the risk of corruption. She pointed out that certain financial manipulations, such as budget allocations and discretionary grants intended to secure public support, continue to pose threats to fair elections. Despite these challenges, the overall goal remains to ensure a more transparent and reliable voting experience for citizens.

The procurement of election technologies from Smartmatic involves a substantial investment of approximately 74.5 million KM. This includes the purchase of 6,000 devices for biometric identification, software, technical support, 6,000 ballot scanners integrated into ballot boxes, software licenses, and training for trainers and election administrators. The successful integration of these components is crucial for the smooth operation of the elections.

As the date approaches, the focus shifts towards ensuring that all aspects of the electoral process are adequately prepared. While there is optimism about the potential benefits of the new technologies, the emphasis remains on completing the necessary training and administrative procedures. The outcome of these preparations will determine whether the elections proceed smoothly and meet the high standards set by the CIK BiH and its international partners.