Bosnia and Herzegovina election campaign faces criticism over lack of programs

The official pre-election campaign for the 2026 general elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina began on September 4, though observers note that political parties have been engaged in a permanent campaign throughout the year.

Former Democratic Front member Maja Gasal criticized the current political climate, stating that negotiations behind closed doors often focus on the distribution of ministerial positions and spoils rather than the interests of the state. She expressed concern over the repetition of wartime narratives and the lack of substantive programs for voters.

Journalist Elvir Padalović echoed these sentiments, describing the official start of the campaign as unremarkable. He noted that political actors have been omnipresent on social media and in public spaces for much of 2026, making the formal start of the campaign a mere formality to comply with election laws rather than a shift in political behavior.