Young Bosnians largely boycotted recent elections, showing disillusionment with politics and nationalist parties gaining influence despite low public support.
Young voters avoid elections
Young Bosnians have largely boycotted the general elections held in early October, with none of the young people interviewed by Orient XXI participating in the vote. The elections, which included both presidential and legislative contests, took place from October 4 to 18.Disillusionment with politics
Despite representing a third of the population, those under 35 showed little interest in the political process, with many expressing disillusionment with the political class. A 20-year-old student, Ajan, noted that finding someone interested in politics in Sarajevo is difficult, as many believe politicians will not bring change.Ethnic nationalism dominates
The electoral landscape was marked by the presence of ethnically nationalist parties, whose populist speeches do not appeal to younger voters. However, these parties have gained influence in state institutions. The Bosnian centrist-liberal party Narod i pravda (People and Justice, NiP) lost six seats in the cantons and one seat in the lower house of the national parliament, though it retained seven members in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina's parliament.Legacy of the Dayton Accords
The country's political structure, shaped by the Dayton Accords of 1995, continues to be influenced by ethnic divisions. The presidency is held by a college of three heads of state from each major ethnic group: Bosniak, Croat, and Serb. The elections saw the entry of a nationalist Croatian representative, Darijana Filipović, who advocates for the creation of a "third entity," potentially dividing the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.Nationalist parties advance
The three major ethnically nationalist parties — the Democratic Action Party (SDA, Bosniak), the Croatian Democratic Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina (HDZ BiH), and the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD, Serb) — advanced in the elections, though their legitimacy among the public remains low. The overall voter participation rate was 42%, the lowest in the country's history. Many voters expressed distrust, with some stating they voted to prevent their votes from being stolen.Milorad Dodik's influence
Milorad Dodik, leader of the SNSD in Republika Srpska, has been a focal point of international media attention. Despite being under a ban on eligibility until 2031, Dodik has strengthened his influence and secured support from the Trump administration. He announced plans to draft a new constitution for Republika Srpska in January, raising concerns about potential separatist moves.Low support for nationalist parties
The low voter turnout and the advancement of nationalist parties do not necessarily translate into increased public support for these parties. According to Adi Selman, founder of Karton revolucija, the three nationalist parties have actually lost votes compared to previous elections. The electoral results may reflect a shift in political dynamics rather than a genuine increase in support.Pressure on voters
The electoral process was also marked by reports of pressures on voters, with some threatened with dismissal or offered money to vote for specific candidates. Young voters, like Anastasija, a 23-year-old Serb, expressed skepticism about the nationalist agenda, noting that many voted out of necessity rather than genuine support.War legacy and press freedom
The political landscape is further complicated by the legacy of the war, with differing interpretations of historical events among different communities. The rise of nationalist rhetoric has been accompanied by concerns over press freedom, with Bosnia and Herzegovina losing over 30 places in the Reporters Without Borders world ranking in five years.Civil society and youth challenges
Civil society groups, such as Karton revolucija, have emerged as key players in resisting nationalist agendas. They have achieved political results, such as banning a mining project in the Tuzla canton. However, the youth's disengagement and high emigration rates — with 33% of the population living abroad and 66% of those aged 14-29 considering leaving — raise questions about the country's future.
