The High Representative today instructed the Mostar City Council to conduct the election of the Mostar Mayor in accordance with the Statute of the City of Mostar.
In accordance with this instruction the Mostar City Council must ensure that the election is conducted within the next 30 days, by secret ballot as provided for in the Statute.
The instruction was issued following today’s meeting of the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board Ambassadors, chaired by the High Representative. This issue had been discussed on a number of occasions with the PIC Steering Board.
Issuing the Decision the High Representative noted that “one year after the elections, I cannot imagine further delay in not using all the mechanisms provided for in the Statute.” He added that “the citizens of Mostar have repeatedly demanded that the city councillors create conditions for a functioning city, and the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board has repeatedly called on the political representatives to agree a solution.”
As a result of the failure to elect a Mayor, no budget for the city has been adopted. “The situation is untenable, and there is a real danger that public services could be brought to a complete halt, ultimately putting lives at risk,” Inzko said.
The High Representative expects the City Council to adopt a budget for Mostar as soon as possible after the Mayor has been appointed.