Overview
It has been said that one of the things that prevents Bosnia and Hercegovina (BiH) from moving forward is its inability to agree on its past and to learn from it. This appears to be the case in the aftermath of the October 5, 2002 general elections. Myths and misinterpretations of the election results are now driving coalition negotiations and public and international reaction.
BiH politicians, party leaders and the international community cannot allow the next four years of government to be shaped by the post-election spin of nationalist parties or the simple headlines of international newspapers. To do so will lead to a new government out of step with the majority of its people and with foreign governments and international investors otherwise supportive of Bosnia's modernization and European integration.
It is clearly the case that moderate political forces did not win these elections, particularly in the Federation entity and at the state level where incumbent moderates lost power. Yet it is clearly not the case that nationalist parties scored a big political victory. Below are key points to understanding the election's outcomes.
Contact Information
For more information on NDI’s Bosnia-Hercegovina program, please contact Maja Klimenta in Washington, D.C. at 202-728-5677 or Michael Balagus in Sarajevo at 387-33-214-665.
