Bosnia and Herzegovina recently faced devastating floods, resulting in the postponement of local elections in five municipalities. The disaster claimed 18 lives and caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including homes, factories, and roads. In some areas, the destruction was so severe that only the minaret of a submerged mosque remained visible.
The flooding prompted the activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, bringing international aid to the affected regions. Rescue teams from neighboring countries and the European Union joined efforts to support recovery operations. Despite the postponement in certain areas, the elections proceeded elsewhere, with international observers monitoring the process to ensure integrity.
The elections involved 3.4 million eligible voters, tasked with electing over 140 mayors and 3,000 councilors across the country's two entities and the Brcko District. This event comes against the backdrop of Bosnia's complex political landscape, shaped by past conflicts and the 1995 Dayton Peace Accords. Efforts to reform election laws have been implemented, aiming to enhance electoral transparency and democracy in the region. The floods and subsequent election postponements highlight both the vulnerability of the region to natural disasters and the resilience of its democratic processes.
