At these elections, you will be electing governments for four years, not two as in previous post-Dayton elections.  These next four years will be decisive for the future of this region and this country.  In four years time, Slovenia and Hungary will almost certainly be members of the European Union, and many of your neighbours will be on the road to membership.  Whether Bosnia and Herzegovina is among them depends on how you vote.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s future lies in a successful unified and stable state fully integrated into European and transatlantic structures.  We are committed to helping Bosnia and Herzegovina reach that destination.  But how fast you get there depends on your commitment to reform.

That is the choice facing Bosnia and Herzegovina:  reform or fall behind.  

Yesterday, the PIC entered into a compact with the BiH authorities to assist them in strengthening the rule of law in this country so that it roots out criminality and corruption and  supports investment. .  At our last meeting in July we agreed a similar set of targets for economic reform.  We expect the newly elected authorities after 5 October will abide by these agreements.  If implemented, these reforms will improve the lives of all the citizens of this country and open the way to integration into Europe. The international community will work with all those genuinely committed to reform.

The Steering Board of the PIC also supports the High Representative’s priority to work with the newly elected authorities to establish a framework to improve standards in public life.  These include modern immunity laws, a code of ethics, and a system to prevent conflicts of interest.   

But ultimately, the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina will not be decided by the international community.  It is for you to choose your political future.  And we call on all of you to use the elections on 5 October to shape the future, not be shaped by the past.  To vote, and vote for the reforms that will put BiH decisively on the path to Europe.”