Between Humanitarian Aid and Colonialism - The Case Study of French (Non) Intervention in Iraq and Mali.

Between Humanitarian Aid and Colonialism - The Case Study of French (Non) Intervention in Iraq and Mali.

Author(s): Emin Eminagić,Viktoria Potapkina / Language(s): English

This paper is designed as a comparative case study of France’s (non) involvement in two regions – Iraq in 2003 and Mali in 2013. The time frame of ten years allows for a retrospective analysis of the possible decisions influencing French politicians to make the decision to not intervene in Iraq. The case of Mali is a rather new event and thus requires immediate attention to understand the underlying reasons for military action. Such a case study presents an intriguing opportunity for comparison. In regard to the case of the intervention in Iraq, France had immediate economic interests in the country, however, it, to this day, remains the most vocal opponent of the intervention, regardless of the fact that a large number of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members participated in one way or another in the Operation Iraqi Freedom. In the case of Mali, France does not have any apparent economic interests in the region; however, it is the only NATO state carrying out the military operation in the country unilaterally as of writing of this paper. However, it is not our intention to provide definitive answers on certain points of involvement and non-intervention, nor mark processes, but rather to provide a grassroot analysis on the case study of Mali that would potentially best explain particular aspects of theoretical implications. With the aim of presenting and analyzing two different choices of French foreign policy, this paper will make use of the tools of comparative analysis in order to construct an interpretivist case study. Academic books and articles, direct speeches of involved politicians, various economic statistical data, opinion polls, as well as United Nations (UN) Reports will be used in the analysis. It will look at theoretical ramifications as well as empirical data from relevant research institutions, using data gathered from United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reports regarding peace building in post-conflict zones as an initial starting point.

Draft Report on the Parliamentary Oversight of the Security Sector in BiH for 2012.

Draft Report on the Parliamentary Oversight of the Security Sector in BiH for 2012.

Author(s): Denis Hadžović,Mirela Hodović / Language(s): English

Keywords: parliamentary control of security sector; parliament and executive structures; security budget; supervision of security sector;

Parliamentary oversight of the security sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in spite of its evident headway in employing oversight functions, has not yet achieved its full capacity. For the purpose of this project, the Centre for Security Studies has prepared a Report draft aimed at providing an assessment work efficiency of the parliamentary committees. This report seeks to address the issue of fulfilling the key-responsibilities in the democratic oversight of the security sector in the year 2012. The objective of this research is to determine the improvement of the overall quality and efficiency in implementing parliamentary oversight of the security sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This segment of civil society involvement is important for achieving greater accountability and transparency of defense and security institutions over which Parliamentary Committees maintain oversight, consistent with positive legislation. This research has thrown up many questions in need of further investigation. Further work needs to be done to establish a more comprehensive discussion amongst the members of Parliamentary Committees and representatives of defense and security institutions, in particular on the need of structural planning and implementing a more efficient parliamentary oversight of the security sector in the upcoming period.

Economic Bilateral Relations between Turkey and Bosnia Herzegovina

Economic Bilateral Relations between Turkey and Bosnia Herzegovina

Author(s): Ozum Iseri / Language(s): English

Keywords: Turkey and Bosnia and Hercegovina;

There have been considerable changes in Turkey’s foreign policy since 2002. Indeed, current Turkish Foreign Minister and former foreign policy advisor of Prime Minister Recep T. Erdogan, Mr. Ahmet Davutoglu’s Strategic Depth doctrine which considers Turkey’s strategic foreign policy on the basis of geographical and historical depth (referring Ottoman Empire) gives a framework for the Turkish foreign policy. Indeed, Davutoglu names 5 principles regarding Turkish foreign policy. They are; the balance between security and democracy; zero problems towards neighbors; proactive and pre-emptive peace diplomacy; a multi-dimensional foreign policy, and lastly rhythmic diplomacy2 . In fact, the doctrine and these principles demonstrate the logic behind the Turkish endeavors in the Southeast Europe (SEE) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

Round-Table on Elements of the Security Policy - Foreign and Economic Policy -

Round-Table on Elements of the Security Policy - Foreign and Economic Policy -

Author(s): Bisera Turković,Milovan Blagojević,Hansjorg Kretschmer,István Gyarmati,Željko Bilbija,Mijo Anić,Jadranko Prlić / Language(s): English

Keywords: international relations; foreign policy; BiH; security; roundtable;

Today’s round-table is a continuation of the work on the project of a state-level security policy for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Centre for Security Studies wishes to give its own contribution to the development of this important theme, considering that there exists no country that can afford to be without a security policy. In considering that the time has come for Bosnia and Herzegovina when there needs to be an open discussion, the Centre for Security Studies has decided, through a seminar an a couple of round-tables, to initiate an open and structured discussion, which would contribute through an exchange of views, to approach and discover responses to the security threats that we and the world in which we live is currently faced with. The day before yesterday, we were witness to one of the security problems that has arisen and from which nobody is safe, and that is terrorism. Unfortunately, terrorism is not somewhere very far away from us; it is a threat to us in this country as well. We naturally condemn it and express our sincere sympathies and condolences to the families of those who were killed. During the previous seminar, we spoke about the concept of security policy what is expected from such a document. What are the interests on which the security policy of Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to be based? What are the interests we wish to defend or promote? What are the priorities? What are the objectives that need to be created in the short and long term? The security policy of Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to protect the citizens, peoples and state from foreign and internal threats of any kind, taking into consideration the level of security and level of guarantees that the global Euro-Atlantic and European security system can provide. During our last seminar, among other items we spoke about the aims of Bosnian integration into the Euro-Atlantic and European security environment, taking into account the risk factors that current jeopardise the security of this country. Considering that only mutual arrangements of the citizens and peoples of this country can achieve lasting results, to point to their real interests, the Centre for Security Studies decided to hold a round-table in September, October and November – to endeavour to discuss the founding elements of the security policy about which we have agreed.

Round-Table on Elements of the Security Policy - Intelligence Services -

Round-Table on Elements of the Security Policy - Intelligence Services -

Author(s): Bisera Turković,Matthias Sonn,Nikola Špirić,Kalman Kocsis,Joy M. Wijnen Riems,Bogić Bogićević,Mirsad Abazović,Izet Žigić / Language(s): English

Keywords: round-table; BiH; security; policy; intelligence services;

I would like to greet you on behalf of the Centre for Security Studies, which today has organised this round-table. For your information, especially for those of who today are with us, the Centre for Security Studies has organised a project on the adoption of a statelevel security policy for Bosnia and Herzegovina. We commenced with a seminar on this theme in July, and after this, we organised a round-table on two elements of the security policy – foreign policy and economic policy. Today's round-table is dedicated to the intelligence-security services, especially the intelligence-security service. I think that all shall agree that reform of the security system is essential for the political, social and economic policy of every country, as well as BiH. At the same time this is also an exceptionally sensitive political theme. Naturally, we do not think that this round-table will succeed to find a solution for the existing problems in this field, but we hope that we shall have an open discussion, a discussion with different positions and viewpoints; a discussion in which we shall be able to see the experiences of different countries and in which manner their intelligence service systems exist and cooperate, and on which conditions they are established. When speaking about Bosnia and Herzegovina, generally it is known that there exists opposing political views on this theme. I would not like to be judge of who is right, nor to advocate a specific viewpoint, because that is not the role of this Centre; however, allow me to direct your attention towards a number of essential issues, for which I hope this round-table nevertheless will be able to offer a response. The question is whether in Bosnia and Herzegovina we can, alongside the full appreciation of our constitutional framework, speak concerning the problems of the organization and activities of our system of intelligence services? We are speaking concerning the division of the different intelligence systems. Does there exist a system or systems that represent a guarantee for the citizens, peoples and country, or does this represent an element that jeopardizes peace and security? Does BiH generally need to establish a single security-intelligence system, and would this mean the establishment of that type of system without full political will? Would this mean that we shall have merely a formal unit at the top, and essentially ethnic components that would act as separate systems? Or would the establishment of a single intelligence security system be better even in this form than a completely separated system? Are today’s intelligence services seen as serious partners, for the exchange of information with other intelligence services, and what would generally be required in order for the security services to be accepted as a serious partner in the exchange of information? Do the existing structures in this country accept the current situation and organizations for negotiations for the exchange of information? What would be the orientation and tasks of a new single security system? Without the restructuring of the intelligence-security system, is it possible that BiH could be a bearer of further democratic processes? This question takes into consideration the globalization of threats, for which we can merely mention the terrorist act of 11 September, which sent a warning to all the democratic and peace-loving elements of the world that they must harmonize their efforts in safeguarding peace and security; and that is the priority that concerns the intelligence services of the democratic world. Are we and can we be a partner in further democratic development and democratic institutions with this type of system of intelligence services? These are only some of the issues, and I believe that you shall pose many others concerning the issues that we shall discuss here today. With prejudging what would be the correct response, I would ask all participants to make possible a very open discussion, in which to remove all positions that would be contradictory. Let us see what is the smallest possible denominator on which we can base a future solution. I would now ask the highly respected Ambassador Matthias Sonn, Deputy High Representative, to open this round-table.

Seminar on Security Policy for Bosnia and Herzegovina Sarajevo, 16 - 17 July 2001

Seminar on Security Policy for Bosnia and Herzegovina Sarajevo, 16 - 17 July 2001

Author(s): . Miscellaneous / Language(s): English

Keywords: BiH; policy; security; seminar; Sarajevo; 2001;

Significant progress has been achieved since the signing the Dayton Peace Agreement. Today, peace and stability prevail throughout Bosnia-Herzegovina; co-operation between Bosnia’s three constituent communities - Bosniacs, Croats and Serbs - has been increasing; Bosnia’s war-damaged infrastructure has to a large extent been repaired; many of Bosnia’s refugees have returned to the homes they had occupied prior to the war, and; the country’s economy has been steadily returning back on course. Much, however, remains to be done in Bosnia and Herzegovina in order to secure a peaceful and stable future for the country. One of the most pressing tasks that stand ahead is the establishment of a state security policy for the country.

Round-Table on Elements of the Security Policy - Internal Policy -

Round-Table on Elements of the Security Policy - Internal Policy -

Author(s): Duško Vejnović,Bisera Turković,Živko Radišić,Dragan Kalinić,István Gyarmati,Marko Amidžić,Fedor Klamtchouk,Petar Kunić,Ramo Masleša,Dragomir Jovičić,Sejfudin Tokić,Rasim Kadić,Branislav Lolić,Tomislav Mihalj / Language(s): English

Keywords: security; policy BIH; elements; round-table; 2002;

It is a pleasure and honour for me to greet you in the name of the Centre for Geostrategic Research in Banja Luka and the Centre for Security Studies BiH. I especially welcome the Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Zivko Radisic, representatives and chairmen of parliaments, parliamentarians, representatives of international organizations, representatives of non-governmental organizations, and all others that have responded to the invitation for the Round-Table on Elements of the Security Policy – Internal Policy. The actual topic is the theme of the position, function and organization of the security of the state. These themes are real when we speak about the security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a complex community of two entities and three constituent peoples. We expect from you to consider in an analytical, meaningful, practical and political manner, during the programme of work, the important and priority aspects of the sources of threats to stability in BiH, and then the modalities that protect that which was constituted by the Dayton Peace Agreement, and the expression of will and needs of the peoples that live in BiH. Certainly we expect that you shall completely openly discuss the issues of the state bodies – the police and military, the functioning and construction of the intelligence services; and parallel with this, the parliamentary democratic control of the state bodies. We expect that we shall discuss the foundation of fact; theoretically having in mind the historical approach how much is necessary that we shed light on the reality, that we offer a modern solution so that conflict in this country and between the peoples does not materialize.

Security Sector Reform and Media in BiH - The Way Ahead to Security Sector Good Governance

Security Sector Reform and Media in BiH - The Way Ahead to Security Sector Good Governance

Author(s): Mariangela Fittipaldi / Language(s): English

Keywords: BiH; politics; security; reform; media; governance;

The Security Sector Reform (SSR) in BiH is proving to be a major step forward in the institutional building process. Although an ongoing development, it has recently been characterized by some important improvements, especially as far as the adoption of the new Defence Law is concerned. In order to foster changes towards security sector good governance, the role played by the main civil society sections in monitoring the reform is crucial. Thus, the forthcoming years will be particularly important with regard to the extent to which media, representatives of civil society, centres of research, and NGOs will be able to participate in the process and constantly monitor the changes in the security landscape of the country. In particular, media play a vital role in providing an essential link between civil society and government. This is even more necessary with regard to security, the supply of this public good being an essential pre-condition to economic and political development. When media are independent, regulated and developed, the effectiveness of the cited role is more likely to come into force. Consequently, the absence of these conditions would seriously impair the possibility for media to function like a «watchdog» with regard to decision-making and policies adopted. On the other hand, the model of good governance of the security sector assumes a wider participation of civil society in the evolution of the security sector. This implies that several efforts have to be undertaken in order to keep the public informed on security issues. Therefore, a full participation of media in the SSR process would contribute to make the international and local institutions in charge of defence and security matters accountable and transparent toward the public. This report analyses media's coverage of security issues in BiH. Through an assessment of the complex relationship between media and the security sector in the country, the openness of the security sector itself will be taken into account. The ultimate aim of this study is to evaluate the pace to a good governance of the security sector for BiH. The report will use two important guidelines for enquiries. On the one hand, the extent to which the security institutions in BiH are accountable, open and responsible to media will be evaluated. The issue will be considered of primary concern since a substantial part of the relation at stake depends on the structure of the security sector. The research will further focus on the extent to which media are open to security institutions and specialized in dealing with security issues, the obstacles to quality journalism and capacity to report on security-related issues being one of the central aspects of media relation to security. Finally, the report will be partly based on the theoretical model of security governance, which assumes an increasing interaction between media and the state. Although many changes have taken place in the organisation of the security sectors of the most advanced democracies, a full media involvement is far from being reached since the extent of participation is dependent on both structural and contingent limits entailing the model itself.

Security Sector Reform and Media in BiH - The Way Ahead to Security Sector Good Governance

Reforma sigurnosnog sektora i mediji u BiH - Put ka uspješnom upravljanju sigurnosnim sektorom

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): Bosnian

Keywords: BiH; politics; security; reform; media; governance;

Reforma sigurnosnog sektora (RSS) predstavlja veliki korak naprijed u procesu institucionalne izgradnje. Trenutni razvoj okarakterisan je poboljšanjima, barem kada je riječ o usvajanju novog Zakona o odbrani. S ciljem usvajanja promjena koje se tiču dobrog upravljanja sigurnosnim sektorom, uloga koju ima civilno društvo u praćenju reformi je od krucijalnog značaja. Osim toga, godine koje slijede biće izuzetno značajne s obzirom na stupanj u kojem će mediji, predstavnici civilnog društva, istraživački centri i NVO-e biti u biti u mogućnosti da učestvuju i konstantno prate promjene u procesu koji se tiče sigurnosnih pitanja u zemlji. Poseban značaj u osiguravanju veze između civilnog društva i vlade imaju mediji. Njihova je uloga još značajnija kad je riječ o sigurnosti, jer obezbjeđivanje tog opšteg dobra jeste osnovni preduslov za ekonomski i politički razvoj. Kada su mediji nezavisni, regulisani i razvijeni, efektivost navedene uloge tada je potpuna. U protivnom, nedostatak ovih uslova može ozbiljno ugroziti mogućnost medija da funkcioniraju kao «nadzornici» u pogledu donošenja i usvajanja odluka. Sa druge strane, model dobrog upravljanja sigurnosnim sektorom podrazumijeva veće učešće civilnog društva u nastajanju sigurnosnog sektora. Ovo ukazuje na potrebu poduzimanja određenih koraka da bi se osigurala informisanost javnosti u pogledu sigurnosnih pitanja. Prema tome, potpuno učešće medija u procesu reforme sigurnosnog sektora doprinjet će stvaranju međunarodnih i lokalnih institucija zaduženih za pitanja odbrane i sigurnosti, a koje bi bile transparentne i dostupne javnosti. Ovaj izvještaj analizira medijsku pokrivenost sigurnosnih pitanja u BiH. Kroz uspostavljanje složene veze između medija i sigurnosnog sektora u zemlji, bila bi uzeta u obzir otvorenost sigurnosnog sektora kao takvog. Glavni cilj ove studije je evaluacija napretka dobrog upravljanja sigurnosnim sektorom u BiH. U izvještaju su korištene dvije važne vodilje za istraživanje. Sa jedne strane, biće evaluiran stepen zastupljenosti sigurnosnih institucija u BiH, odnosno koliko su otvorene i odgovorne prema medijima. Ovo pitanje se razmatra kao primarno s obzirom na stvarno učešće u relaciji i strukturi sigurnosnog sektora. Izvještaj će se nadalje fokusirati na stepen otvorenosti medija za sigurnosne institucije i stručnost medija kada su u pitanju sigurnosne teme, te na ograničenja kvalitetnog novinarstva i mogućnost izvještavanja o temama u vezi sa sigurnosti, kao jednog od glavnih aspekata odnosa medija prema sigurnosti. Na kraju, izvještaj će biti djelomično baziran na teoretskom modelu sigurnosnog upravljanja, koji podrazumijeva pojačanu saradnju između medija i države. Premda su se desile mnoge promjene u organizacijama sigurnosnog sektora u najnaprednijim demokratijama, potpuno učešće medija još nije postignuto, s obzirom da stepen učešća zavisi i o strukturalnim i o mogućim ograničenjima.

Special Investigative Measures: Normative Regulation and Review of the Practical Application

Posebne istražne radnje: normativna uređenost i osvrt na praktičnu primjenu

Author(s): Aida Kržalić / Language(s): Bosnian

Keywords: investigation; law enforcement agencies; special investigative measures; legislation; Bosnia and Herzegovina;

The work represents the normative regulation of special investigative measures in BiH legislation with a brief review of the provisions before the legislation reform in 2003, as well as of the current provisions. The first part of this paper presents an overview of international documents that restrict the right of a State in relation to the right of an individual concerning the application of special investigative measures, as well as a theoretical approach to this issue and normative regulation of the application of special investigative measures. The second part presents the observed shortcomings in applying these measures. In addition, special investigative measures have been established with precisely formulated criteria to determine the application of the the same. Also, legal provisons at the entity levels and Brčko District, do not significantly deviate from the provisions adopted at the state level.

Amendments to the Law on Free Access to Information of Public Importance - A Serious Threat to the Achieved Level of Rights!

Amendments to the Law on Free Access to Information of Public Importance - A Serious Threat to the Achieved Level of Rights!

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): English

The Ministry of State Administration and Local Self-Government (hereinafter: the Ministry) is conducting a public debate on the Draft Law on Amendments and Supplements to the Law on Free Access to Information of Public Importance (hereinafter: the Draft) from 27 May to 16 June 2021. The published Draft contains a number of controversial solutions, i.e. provisions that are in conflict with the constitutional guarantee that the achieved level of rights cannot be reduced. The Draft not only prescribes additional grounds for restricting the right to free access to information, expands the circle of entities that are exempt from the application of the Law and increases the number of bodies against whose decisions an appeal is not allowed, but also literally “erases” the priority of the public’s right to know from the legal text. Finally, the Draft does not offer solutions to any of the burning problems that have been highlighted countless times to date, both by the Commissioner and the professional public.

Attorneys in the High Judicial Council and the State Prosecutorial Council – Risks of Conflict of Interest

Attorneys in the High Judicial Council and the State Prosecutorial Council – Risks of Conflict of Interest

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): English

In February 2021, the Serbian Bar Association published a list of candidates from the ranks of attorneys who were nominated for membership in the High Judicial Council (HJC) and the State Prosecutorial Council (SPC). Attorneys who act as defence councils in certain active cases that have caused great anxiety among the citizens, are also among them. The National Assembly has yet to discuss the proposed candidates and decide on the election. The current chairman of the competent parliamentary committee is also an attorney and defence counsel in active cases, as well as an ex officio member of both judicial councils. // With this short analysis, the prEUgovor coalition is attempting to compensate for this shortcoming and offer possible solutions.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Bilateral Relations with Turkey

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Bilateral Relations with Turkey

Author(s): Nerkez Opacin / Language(s): English

The main focus of this research is to closely examine and analyze the extent of bilateral relations between Republic of Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The methodology is based on analyzing the general definition of international relations as an introduction, followed by a synopsis of bilateral relations between these two countries, whilst the main focus will be placed on the current state of economic cooperation.

Perceptions and Attitudes of the Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina towards Terrorism and the Role of International Security Organisations

Perceptions and Attitudes of the Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina towards Terrorism and the Role of International Security Organisations

Author(s): Vladimir Obradović / Language(s): English

Keywords: Terrorism;

The survey of the perceptions and attitudes of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) towards terrorism and the roles of international security organisations (NATO, SFOR) comparatively encompassed subjects from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) and the Republika Srpska (RS). Due to the content of the research only male subjects have been included, which we selected by a systematic, stratification sample, dependent upon telephone number in each individual canton. The control of the accuracy of the samples and the analysis of the results afterwards was conducted according to the variables of age, work experience and nationality. Besides this, we conducted focus groups that involved interviewing journalists, officers, professors, faculty assistants and students. The commentary and content of the discussion made possible a qualitative approach in the investigation.

Seminar: Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Partnership for Peace

Seminar: Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Partnership for Peace

Author(s): . Miscellaneous / Language(s): English

Financing of political parties - Between norm and practice

Finansiranje političkih partija - Između norme i prakse

Author(s): Miodrag Milosavljević,Đorđe Vuković,Zoran Stojiljković,Srećko Mihajlović,Ana Stojiljković,Ivo Čolović,Nemanja Cocić / Language(s): Serbian

Keywords: political party financing; Serbia; Elections

The models of political party financing that can be found in the literature are based on answers to five questions: "Are there limits on the amount of funds that parties have the right to collect and spend?", "Are there limits on the sources from which funds can be collected and the services and goods on which they can be spent?", "To which body should the control of political party financing be entrusted?" and "Should parties be financed from public sources and to what extent?" After monitoring the implementation of the Law on Financing Political Parties and a series of ten held round tables and consultations with experts, representatives of political parties, international organizations, media and non-governmental organizations, the team of the Open Society Fund and the Center for Free Elections and Democracy (CeSID) tried to consolidate recommendations for improving the system of financing political parties in Serbia. The recommendations are based on research, data and opinions presented in the public hearing process and attempt to answer the questions raised.

EFFICIENT MUNICIPAL MANAGER

EFIKASAN OPŠTINSKI MENADŽER

Author(s): Mirjana Simić,Katarina Simić,Miloš Mojsilović,Vukašin Sarajlić,Miloš Hrnjaz / Language(s): Serbian

Keywords: self-government; local economic; municipal manager; informed citizens; Serbia

The brochure in front of you is the result of the Center for Free Elections and Democracy project »Efficient municipal manager and active and informed citizens - a step forward towards more developed municipalities«. The main goal of the mentioned project is, on the one hand, to improve the role of the municipal manager, and on the other hand, to raise the awareness of citizens about the importance of issues such as, for example, local economic development and efficient management of local self-government units.

Centre for Free Elections and Democracy (CeSID) Election Monitoring Mission Preliminary Report

Centre for Free Elections and Democracy (CeSID) Election Monitoring Mission Preliminary Report

Author(s): Not Specified Author / Language(s): English

Keywords: Election Irregularities; Voter Register Concerns; Political Dialogue; Media Access Imbalance; Polling Process Issues

Limited progress was observed with the quality of the election process relative to the December 2023 elections, as political dialogue produced some success in reducing the extent of systemic irregularities on election day. CeSID recommends continued robust activities to implement the recommendations of both international and local election monitors, coupled with greater engagement by the governing coalition. Capacity- building is required for local electoral commissions and polling boards, and any doubts over the accuracy and up-to-dateness of the voter register also ought to be dispelled.

Violent extremism and youth

Nasilni ekstremizam i mladi

Author(s): Not Specified Author / Language(s): Serbian

Keywords: Youth; Violent extremism; Democracy; Security; Media

The research was conducted in the period between 23.08. and 10.09.2023. with young citizens of Serbia, on a representative sample of 1000 young people, aged 15 to 30.

(Un)proven Irregularities: Election dispute resolution

(Un)proven Irregularities: Election dispute resolution

Author(s): Not Specified Author / Language(s): English

Keywords: Election Dispute Resolution; Electoral Justice; Irregularities; Transparency; Legal Framework

The survey (Un)proven Irregularities: Election dispute resolution in the 2023 election is the third such study stemming from CeSID’s work on electoral justice in Serbia. The first assessment of this kind, Electoral Justice: Here, Now, Tomorrow [The case of Serbia] was published in the spring of 2021 and aimed at highlighting the importance of election dispute resolution as a key pillar of the electoral process and, more specifically, deepen knowledge of this area, acquaint the public with safeguards, help build capacity of political parties and organisations, and point to priority areas for future strategic and practical interventions. The 2021 study identified prime concerns for ongoing work, and these, together with developments on the Serbian political scene (the boycott of the election, inter-party dialogue, legal amendments, and the April 2022 election) informed a second detailed survey, Election Disputes in Serbia: So what do we do now? [April 2022 elections], published by CeSID in 2022. This report sought to assess the efficiency, effectiveness, transparency, and equity of Serbia’s election dispute resolution process after the adoption and first application of the set of new election laws, as well as to aid in empowering political organisations and election contestants to take part in the process and help the general public and civil society better understand electoral procedures and safeguards.