Bosnia and Herzegovina has seen an estimated exodus of over 600,000 people in the decade following the 2013 census, when the official population was 3.5 million. This migration trend is particularly notable among young people, despite the country's capital, Sarajevo, experiencing pleasant autumn weather.
Elections scheduled for Sunday will involve the selection of 14 prime ministers and five presidents. However, young people, who are considered a support base for non-nationalist parties, are reportedly choosing to leave the country rather than participate in the ballot.
Timur Ilic, a 28-year-old municipal councillor in Sarajevo standing for election, stated that people are not ready for significant change and are afraid of uncertainty. Sarah Ćato, a 19-year-old student, suggested that her age group feels overlooked by the political mainstream, with young people not knowing how or who to vote for.
Political instability is cited as a primary driver of migration from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Benjamin Ahmedbegovic, vice-president of a local youth forum, does not expect the upcoming polls to alter the country's situation or the tendency of young people to leave.