Bosnia and Herzegovina operates as a parliamentary democratic republic and holds elections to determine its political representatives. However, it’s important to note that the political system in Bosnia and Herzegovina is complex due to its unique structure. Here is some information about the election system in Bosnia and Herzegovina:
- Presidency: Bosnia and Herzegovina has a tripartite presidency composed of three members, each representing one of the three constitutive nations: Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs. The members of the presidency are elected by popular vote, with each voter casting their ballot for a candidate from their respective ethnic group.
- Parliamentary Elections: The Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the House of Peoples. The House of Representatives has 42 members elected through proportional representation, while the House of Peoples has 15 members appointed by the entities’ parliaments (the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska).
- Entity Elections: The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska, the two entities within the country, have their own parliaments and governments. Elections for these entities are held separately. The entity parliaments have the power to legislate on a range of issues within their respective territories.
- Electoral Process: The Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina is responsible for organizing and overseeing elections at the national level, while the entity-level election commissions handle elections within their respective entities. The electoral system includes voter registration, candidate nomination, and the counting of votes. International observers may be invited to monitor the elections.
- Voter Eligibility: Bosnian citizens who are at least 18 years old have the right to vote. Voter registration is required, and citizens must be included in the electoral roll to participate in elections. Eligible voters can cast their ballots at designated polling stations within their respective constituencies.
