More than 48,000 Bosnian voters living abroad are registered for the 2026 elections, as the Central Election Commission begins distributing ballots ahead of the October 4 vote. The development marks an important stage in preparations for the general elections and opens the way for thousands of citizens outside Bosnia and Herzegovina to participate. According to the Central Election Commission, 48,078 voters abroad were registered after the appeals process was completed. Of these, 45,457 will vote by mail, while another 2,621 voters are expected to cast their ballots at diplomatic and consular missions. The Commission said ballot distribution began after the printing and packaging process was completed.
The registration process also resulted in thousands of applications being rejected. Around 5,000 requests from citizens seeking to vote from abroad did not meet the legally required conditions. A total of 39 appeals were submitted during the process, with four accepted by the Central Election Commission. The remaining cases were rejected or dismissed by the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The completion of the appeals process has now allowed authorities to move forward with distributing ballots to voters whose registration has been approved. This is particularly important for those relying on postal voting to participate from outside the country.
The October 4 election will allow voters to choose representatives at several levels of government. Among those being elected are the three members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and representatives in the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly. Voters will also participate in elections for the National Assembly of Republika Srpska and other entity and cantonal institutions.
For Bosnian citizens living abroad, the start of ballot distribution represents an important step toward election day. Thousands will vote by mail, while others will use diplomatic and consular missions. Their participation gives the Bosnian diaspora an opportunity to have a direct role in determining the country’s political future. With more than 48,000 Bosnian voters abroad now registered, attention will increasingly turn toward the October 4 election. The distribution of ballots marks another key stage in the electoral process and ensures that eligible citizens outside Bosnia and Herzegovina can take part in the vote.
