Nothing concrete was said during the talks with High Representative Christian Schmidt regarding the Election Law in Bosnia, Social Democratic Party leader Nermin Niksic told N1 Tuesday, after his telephone conversation with Schmidt. Schmidt held telephone consultations with domestic politicians regarding possible changes to the BiH Election Law. Numerous leaders, as well as the media, reported that any imposed decisions could benefit the Croat Democratic Union (HDZ BiH) and their demands.
“I can speak about what we discussed, I can’t comment on media speculation. There was no discussion about it [amendments on the Election Law], no one even mentioned it, nor was there any solution on the table, that is, nothing was mentioned over the phone,” Niksic told N1.
He explained that the High Representative was interested in the views of this party when it comes to protecting the integrity of the election process, and views on possible blockades after the elections.
According to Niksic, Schmidt stated that he has not made any decision, nor that he was close to it, but that he was conducting a wide round of consultations and wants to hear opinions.
“He suggested that we meet again next week,” Niksic added.
Izetbegovic: Talks on major changes after October elections
The Democratic Action Party (SDA) leader Bakir Izetbegovic also spoke with Schmidt saying that he only expressed his party’s position regarding the Law.
“I just finished a telephone conversation with the High Representative in BiH, Christian Schmidt, about the amendments to the BiH Election Law. I presented the position of the SDA to the High Representative – that urgent changes that will improve the integrity of the election process, as well as changes related to improving the functionality of the Federation of BiH entity, are acceptable. I emphasized that everything beyond that can be the subject of negotiations that will follow only after the [October] elections and the formation of a new government structure,” Izetbetgovic stated.