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MOSTAR, September 24 (FENA) - Kathleen Kavalec, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) concluded her two-day visit to Mostar and Stolac on 24 September 2020. Over the course of the visit, she discussed preparations for local elections, to be held later in the autumn, as well as the Mission’s continuous support in promoting inter-religious dialogue in the country.
“I am happy the local inter-party dialogue regarding the organization of elections in Mostar is taking place and that citizens of Mostar will finally have an opportunity to exercise their democratic right,” said Ambassador Kavalec, highlighting the need for continuing constructive dialogue during the campaign and after the elections, including on the prevention of election fraud, OSCE Mission to BiH announced.
During the visit, Ambassador Kavalec met, among others, with representatives of political parties and representatives of the Mostar Election Commission, the Center for Civil Initiative and Coalition "Pod lupom".
Discussions focused on the Mission’s local election pledge initiative, which entails several key commitments aimed at contributing to a peaceful and fair electoral process in the local communities.
Kavalec used this opportunity to meet with religious officials Petar Palić, Bishop of Mostar-Duvno/Apostolic Administrator Trebinje-Mrkan; and Salem ef. Dedović, Mostar Mufti and President of the Majlis of the Islamic Community in Stolac Orhan Tikvesa to discuss inter-religious relations at the local level.
She reiterated the Mission's continuous support of constructive dialogue and joint initiatives aimed at promoting tolerance and co-operation
“I recognize that 2020 is a sensitive year with approaching local elections, both in Mostar, which was previously deprived of it, and Stolac where there were issues at the previous local elections. I also urge all community leaders, including religious leaders, to promote constructive dialogue and focus on pursuing politics that solve real daily problems for citizens and strengthen the communities within which they live,” said Kavalec.
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