More than two decades after the war, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) remains subject to ethnic and territorial disputes that complicate the development of a durable, democratic political system. To encourage issue-based dialogue and cross-party cooperation on socio-economic and political reforms, NDI conducted a democracy assessment with funding from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). In cooperation with Bosnian political analysts and civil society representatives, NDI developed a methodology for the assessment aimed at ensuring maximum local ownership. The Institute identified and interviewed 50 representatives of civil society organizations, political parties, media and academia based in Banja Luka, Sarajevo and Mostar. While the report references certain democracy standards, NDI has sought to offer a distinctly Bosnian perspective on the country's democratic transition. The findings presented in this report are intended to foster discussion and debate among political parties, civil society and the public as a whole on the democratization process in BiH and the direction of reform efforts. The assessment focuses on the following key issues and themes facing institutions:

• Electoral System
• Government Transparency and Accountability
• Institutional and Legislative Politics
• Ethnic Politics and Political Efficacy
• Political Parties and Representation of the Public Interest
• Civil Society Engagement in Decision-making
• Political Inclusion of Marginalized Groups