Editorial Abstract: In numerous critical analyses of minority rights in BiH, the status of members of this population at the local level is consistently excluded from serious analysis. In theory, considering the well known demand for territorial concentration of ethnocultural communities that makes possible the implementation of concrete policies for the protection of their rights, local communities are often considered the organizational level of government ideal for realizing the rights of minorities. Therefore, the participation of ethnic minorities in the political and public life of the local community is particularly important. Key political representation of ethnic minorities is an important factor in the long-term preservation of their identity and also the only way to ensure that this population has a true feeling of belonging to the state and community in which they live. Inspired by the recently held local elections and using relevant international standards, Lejla Hadžimešić analyses in detail the legal framework that regulates issues concerning the political participation of ethnic minorities at the level of the local communities in BiH. Her analysis indicates a troubling trend of further marginalisation of minority communities in the political and public life of BiH.
Introduction
Many discussions on the rights of ethnic minorities in BiH focus primarily on the state or sometimes the entity, while the status of members of this population at the local level is seldom the subject of serious analysis. In theory, considering the well known demand for territorial concentration of ethnocultural communities that makes possible the implementation of concrete policies for the protection of their rights, local communities are often considered the organizational level of government ideal for realizing the rights of minorities.
Note to Readers: Translation of full text available upon request. Please contact: amela@soros.org.ba
