Bosnia-Herzegovina votes amid divisive campaigns, EU bid
Polls have opened in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where voters are taking part in parliamentary, presidential and local elections.
Voters in Bosnia and Herzegovina cast their ballots on Sunday in a general election that highlights the country's complex political landscape. The day-long poll saw around 3.4 million eligible citizens decide on representatives at various governmental levels, from the multi-ethnic presidency to the two autonomous entities, the Muslim-Croat Federation and the Serb-run Republika Srpska.
The election campaign has been marked by a mix of adversary ethnic parties and multi-ethnic opposition coalitions, reflecting the ongoing divisions within the nation. Challenges facing the country include an economic slowdown, slow progress towards European Union membership, and a contentious political environment where dominant parties have hindered decisions by the weak central government.
The election, which closed at 7 p.m. local time, is a crucial step in Bosnia and Herzegovina's path to EU membership, a goal the nation has pursued since 2022. However, the actual start of membership negotiations depends on the implementation of numerous reforms, including judicial oversight and anti-corruption measures.
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