When Irena Hadziabdic was appointed to the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2007, she became the sole woman of the CEC’s seven members. As a parliamentary appointee of the CEC, Hadziabdic is currently responsible for oversight and conduct of elections, as well as implementation of the election law, law on conflict of interest and political parties finance law in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Since1996, Hadziabdic has built her career around monitoring and assessing elections, studying multiple election courses and the electoral process in more than 12 countries. As a lawyer for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) for Bosnia and Herzegovina, she trained voter registration staff, election board officials and conducted seminars on local democracy for election officials and newly elected councilors. Prior to working for the CEC, Hadziabdic was executive director of the Association of Election Officials in Bosnia and Herzegovina (AEOBIH). In 2003, as AEOBIH executive director, she was nominated for the “Woman of the Year in BiH” award in the area of society and politics, which was sponsored by the magazine Žena 21.

Hadziabdic describes seeing the residual effects of an informed, efficient and well-organized election as very rewarding.  She views her participation in this process as a motivating challenge and opportunity to learn more about the electoral system around the world.  Hadziabdic notes that “every electoral system is unique in its own way and she is proud to be a part of that process.”

According to Hadziabdic, the implementation of the campaign finance and conflict of interest law have proven to be the most challenging aspect of her work with the CEC. As a former representative of non-governmental organizations, Hadziabdic had to initially adapt to working for the CEC, but was able to successfully transfer her knowledge from the field to her current position. She believes that this position within the government “has power to make improvements based on work seen in the field.”

Hadziabdic attended a Women’s Democracy Network (WDN) program in Skopje, Macedonia in October of 2006. She also served as a WDN delegate for the Kenya election observation mission on behalf of the International Republican Institute in December of 2007. As the only delegate from Europe, she was eager to witness the activities surrounding the election. Hadziabdic noted that although the election was later marred by riots, the election day proceedings in her voting locality were organized with a high voter turnout. Those waiting to vote queued patiently, including many women with their young children. Of her experience in west Kenya, Hadziabdic believes that good work was employed on election day and it was an exciting opportunity in her career.

After completing her Masters thesis in European Union policy, law and management in 2007, Hadziabdic began working on a Ph.D in comparisons of election standards. Irena will either return to the field, work at a university or could be reappointed to the CEC when her appointment at the CEC ends in 2014.

In her free time, Hadziabdic enjoys painting and working with graphic art design. She also volunteers with organizations that support her community and believes that, “every woman must be active to be alive and when you discover your talent, use it to its fullest capability on behalf of your country.”