Adoption of the Framework Operational Plan for the Introduction of Specific Technologies in the Electoral Process of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo, 30 July 2025 – In accordance with the Election Law of BiH and the Decision of the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina enacting the Law on Amendments to the Law on Financing Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, dated 17 July 2025, the Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina, at today’s session, adopted, among other decisions, the following:

  • The Decision on the implementation of the multi-year project for the introduction of specific electoral technologies in the electoral process of Bosnia and Herzegovina;
  • The Framework Operational Plan for the introduction of specific electoral technologies in the electoral process of Bosnia and Herzegovina;
  • The Decision on the appointment of project teams for the implementation of the project for the introduction of specific technologies in the electoral process of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Decision on the implementation of the multi-year project defines the process for introducing specific technologies into the electoral process, specifies the technologies to be used, allocates financial resources required for the project, establishes the project timeline, outlines necessary activities, defines the method of interdepartmental cooperation, sets the coordination mechanism within the institution, establishes reporting procedures, and addresses other matters essential for project implementation.

The goal of the project is the introduction of specific technologies and the digitalization of voter identification at polling stations and electronic determination of election results, in order to preserve and strengthen the integrity, efficiency, and transparency of the electoral process in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as outlined in the Feasibility Study on the Introduction of Specific Technologies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, available at:

https://www.izbori.ba/Documents/CIK/God-Izvjestaji/2025/ziop_pilot_projekata_i_studija_izvodljivosti-bos.pdf

The introduction of specific technologies in the electoral process of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a multi-year capital investment and digitalization project spanning 2025–2028, in accordance with the timeline established by the Framework Operational Plan adopted today by the Central Election Commission of BiH.

For the implementation of the multi-year project in 2025, public procurement is planned for:

  • Biometric voter identification devices;
  • Optical scanners for automatic counting of ballots;
  • Software licenses for both biometric identification devices and optical scanners;
  • Development of an identity and election management system.

For the implementation of the project in 2026, the following activities are planned:

  • Securing warehouses and spaces for device configuration;
  • Public procurement of paper and printing of ballots;
  • Hiring personnel for project implementation and election administration;
  • Training and education of staff;
  • Voter education;
  • Establishment of a data center for hosting (monitoring field activities, call center, and providing server space for websites or applications);
  • Other activities necessary for project implementation as determined by specific decisions of the Central Election Commission of BiH.

Project evaluation and system upgrades are planned for 2027.

The Central Election Commission of BiH will timely inform the public about all upcoming activities.