Thousands of citizens across Bosnia and Herzegovina had the opportunity to experience the new voting procedures ahead of the 2026 General Elections through a nationwide series of practical election simulations organised in cooperation with the Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina (CEC BiH).

Between the end of August and end of September, simulation teams visited 77 locations in 63 cities and municipalities across BiH, bringing voter education directly to citizens and allowing them to familiarise themselves with the changes that will be introduced during the 2026 General Elections.

The simulations focused on the main elements of the new voting process, including biometric voter identification, the new ballot paper design and ballot scanning. Citizens were able to go through the voting process themselves, ask questions and receive explanations from members of the simulation teams.

This approach was particularly valuable for citizens who may need additional support in adapting to the new procedures. Senior citizens, first-time voters and persons with disabilities were among the groups actively engaged in the simulations, with many using the opportunity to clarify how to complete the new ballot papers and how the scanning process works.

“This year I will be voting for the first time and the simulation gave me an opportunity to experience the voting process before the election day, and realise that the system is not as complicated as I thought,” stated Orhan, a first time voter during the simulation in Tuzla.

The simulations form part of the Council of Europe’s broader efforts to strengthen voter education and support a more informed and inclusive electoral process in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The activity was organised as part of the Council of Europe project “Supporting transparency, inclusiveness and integrity of electoral practice and processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, funded through voluntary contributions under the Council of Europe’s Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2026-2029..

Video of the simulations is available here : https://mycloud.coe.int/s/jaDC6R72QPHGyTq