Doris Pack (D, EPP), who led a delegation of MEPs to monitor the recent council elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina, cautiously summed up the process as a success. Even though problems existed - such as boycott threats, registration procedures, and delays, these were isolated and affected few of the 2,300 polling stations.
The population turned out in large numbers to vote, and the presence of trained international observers generally ensured that the process went smoothly. The delegation, comprising five MEPs, was united in its support for further EU assistance to be given to the democratically elected councils.
The European Parliament observers went to polling stations in 26 municipalities in both the Republica Srpska and the Federation. Its detailed comments and observations are incorporated into the overall assessment being made by the OSCE-ODIHR.
Very few problems were registered in the regular polling stations visited; however, in Brko serious difficulties were encountered due to, amongst other reasons, registration confusion and a lack of trust in the ballot procedure.
In addition, in Ilidza not enough lessons were learnt from last year's elections as far as absentee voting was concerned and polling station facilities were inadequate for the larger number of voters seeking to vote in over 90 municipal districts.