Press Releases

Sarajevo, 3 September 2026 – The election campaign for the 2026 General Elections officially begins tomorrow, 4 September 2026, and will continue until 3 October 2026 at 7:00 a.m., when the election silence period begins.

On this occasion, the Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina calls on all political subjects, candidates, their supporters and the media to strictly comply with the Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with particular emphasis on the prohibition of hate speech in the public sphere.

“Hate speech” is any form of public expression or speech that causes or incites hatred, discrimination or violence against any person or group of persons on the basis of race, skin color, nationality, sex or religion, ethnic origin, or any other personal characteristic or orientation that incites discrimination, hostility or violence.

We remind all political subjects that they have the right to conduct their campaigns in a peaceful environment and to organize rallies. They are also required to ensure equal promotion of candidates of both sexes in all public and media appearances.

The competent municipal authorities are required to ensure equal treatment of political subjects certified to participate in the elections in their requests to use public places and public facilities for campaign purposes, including holding rallies and displaying advertisements, billboards, posters and other similar material.

The Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina warns that it is authorized to impose sanctions for violations of the Election Law of BiH, including monetary fines, as well as the removal of candidates from candidate lists and decertification of a political subject.

Finally, the Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina calls on all participants in the electoral process to conduct a fair campaign, respecting the law and the rules, and appeals to the media to report on election activities fairly and professionally, in accordance with the journalistic code.