Information about the Election Observation Mission
Bosnia and Herzegovina will hold general elections on 4 October 2026. Observers are expected to arrive in Sarajevo on 30/09 and depart on 05/10.
Silba is a Danish-based youth democracy organization. We have more than 20 years of experience in training youth in conducting election observations and have conducted over 50 Election Observation Missions. We employ an observation methodology inspired by the OSCE/ODIHR. We believe that election observations are key for transparency in electoral processes, accountability and democratic rights.
You may know Bosnia and Herzegovina for the devastating war of the 1990s, the Dayton Peace Agreement, or its complex political system designed to balance power between the country's different ethnic communities. More than thirty years after the end of the war, Bosnia and Herzegovina remains one of Europe's most politically complex democracies. The country is governed through a unique constitutional system with multiple layers of government, three constituent peoples, and a rotating presidency.
The 2026 general elections take place at a crucial moment. Bosnia and Herzegovina continues its path towards European Union membership while facing political and institutional challenges and growing debates over constitutional reform, democratic governance and the country's future direction. As the country prepares for election day, voters will decide not only on the composition of parliament but also on the broader political and democratic future of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as the European Union as a whole.
Do you want to observe this important election and experience democracy in practice? Are you eager to visit and get to know more about Bosnia and Herzegovina’s culture, political life and society? Are you interested in elections, international affairs, democratic development and the Balkans? Then join Silba's Election Observation Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina as an international observer!
We expect that you:
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Are between 18 and 35 years old.
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Are a member of Silba. You can become a member here.
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Are available from Wednesday, September 30th to Monday, October 5th.
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You must pass the free OSCE E-Learning course “Comprehensive Course for OSCE/ODIHR Observers” before the EOM begins. You need only to focus on the short-term observation part of the course. If you have completed the course in the past it is not necessary that you complete it again. The course can be found here.
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It is not a requirement that you have previous experience in monitoring elections. However, knowledge of the country or region as well as the knowledge of Bosnian language is highly valued.
By joining you:
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Strengthen your CV
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Get the opportunity to establish new international networks.
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Exchange views with like-minded youth.
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Join a dynamic team.
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Get a great experience!
The participation fee for this EOM is €270. This covers accommodation, most meals, local transport and other expenses during the program. In addition, you will have to pay for your travel expenses to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sarajevo is well connected by various low-cost airlines.
We would like to note that all our activities are non-profit, which means all the money will go to covering the cost for you as a participant!
NB: Silba reserves the right to cancel the EOM in case of safety issues at any time. Silba's safety assessment is based on open-source information and the Danish foreign ministry's travel advice. Silba will not send observers to unsafe areas.