Foreign media: Elections in BiH did not bring major changes to the political scene

European and global media, in their initial analyses of the results of yesterday’s general elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), assessed that they did not bring major changes to the political scene of that country.

While German and Austrian media highlight the continued strong influence of nationalist parties and extremely low turnout, British and American media devote significant attention to the leader of the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD), Milorad Dodik, his influence in Republika Srpska (RS), and his ties with Russia, according to Sarajevo media reports.

Reuters assessed that the race for the BiH Presidency is led by representatives of the left and nationalist parties, and describes Denis Bećirović (SDP), who received the most votes for the Bosniak member of the Presidency, as a moderate left-wing politician, while placing the election results in the broader context of BiH’s European path, political blockades, and the influence of the West and Russia.

Special attention, it is added, is paid by Reuters to the very low turnout, as one of the hallmarks of this year’s elections.

Deutsche Welle titled its report on yesterday’s elections in BiH: “Nationalists at the top of divided elections in BiH,” with the assessment that national political options have once again achieved strong results.

They also highlighted the record low voter turnout, as well as economic problems, political blockades, and the slow progress of BiH towards the European Union (EU).

The German Süddeutsche Zeitung stated that “nationalist forces remain strong,” noting that after counting the vast majority of votes, the political situation in BiH remains largely unchanged.

Die Zeit highlighted Milorad Dodik in its headline, stating that this Bosnian Serb politician declared himself the winner of the elections, while also describing the results as a success for nationalist political options.

Dodik is also a central figure in reports by some Anglo-American media, although this time he was not a candidate in the elections.

The Financial Times titled its report on the elections in BiH – “Pro-Russian strongman declares victory in Bosnia’s elections,” and interprets the result of the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD) primarily through the fact that Dodik has retained significant political influence despite no longer holding public office.

The British newspaper particularly points out his relations with Moscow and the fact that, although he was not on the ballot, he remained one of the dominant figures of the campaign.

The Associated Press (AP) reports similarly, stating that Dodik declared his party’s victory and that the SNSD remains a strong political force in Republika Srpska.

AP places the election results in the context of long-standing political and ethnic divisions, economic problems, and stagnation on BiH’s European path.

Euronews also notes the unusual situation in which a politician who was not a candidate dominated much of the pre-election campaign.

In addition to the results, this media outlet also paid attention to new election technologies, as well as problems recorded during voting.