Istinomjer is an online platform for monitoring and evaluation of accountability of public office holders, political parties in power and political actors in general. Istinomjer is the project developed and edited by the Civic Association "Why not?".

http://zastone.ba/en/programs/responsible-government/istinomjer/

CA “Why Not” is a legal entity registered in the register of civic associations within the Ministry of Justice of FBiH on January 9th 2001 under No. 56, Book 1 of the register, with registration number 03-054-992/97-2. Decision on the

Registration, along with the Statute of the organization is attached in the application. 

Zasto ne (Why not) Civic Association, the founder of Istinomjer, its online fact-checking platform, is a legally registered entity. Information about Istinomer and its founding organization can be found on both Istinomjer's and Zasto ne's website.

1. Istinomjer started its work in August 2010, when the results of the fulfillment of the pre-election promises for the mandate of 2006-2010 were presented. Istinomjer was formed as an initiative (platform) that focuses on the promotion of the responsibility of political parties participating in the executive branch, as well as holders of public office who have responsibility towards the citizens of BiH. Its goal is to direct the political and public discourse in BiH as much as possible towards the promotion of political responsibility as a fundamental principle of democracy.

https://istinomjer.ba/o-istinomjeru/

2. The Istinomjer team consists of seven people, one of whom is a project coordinator, three people are researchers, while two people are also editors and researchers, and one person is a creative manager. During September 2019, one student volunteered in the Istinomjer team.

https://istinomjer.ba/istinomjer-tim/

3. In addition to evaluating the statements of public officials on a daily basis that include promises, untruthfulness or truthfulness of their claims, as inconsistency or consistency in their views, Istinomjer is implementing several other projects as we follow the pre-election promises of the Governments formed at several levels in Bosnia and Herzegovina, so the Council of Ministers for the term 2018-2022, as well as the Government of the Republika Srpska and the Government of the Sarajevo Canton are monitored. Istinomejr also, after 100 days from the establishment of one of the governments, as well as on the anniversary of the formation of these governments, comes out with a report with the evaluation of pre-election promises. Promises at the local level for the period from 2016 to 2020 are also being monitored, and it is planned to continue monitoring the pre- election promises of local government and self-government units in the new mandate period from 2020 to 2024.

https://istinomjer.ba/o-istinomjeru/

As Istinomjer operates within UG "Why not", other current projects within this organization should be mentioned, such as "Raskrinkavanje" - an online fact- checking platform, "Glasometar" - app that does matching of voter preferences to parties for elections, which was tested for the first time for the 2010 General Elections in BiH, and is also used in this year's elections, and "Javna Rasprava" - a platform which enables and facilitates citizens to directly participate in decision- making processes in BiH, as well as the opportunity to communicate with those who make those decisions (ie elected and appointed representatives in the legislative authorities).

More information about programs of Why not can be found here: https://zastone.ba/en/category/news/zasto-ne-en/

4. Our plans for the following year would be to continue our monitoring processes and to ensure that the impact that Istinomjer has reaches even more people. We also plan to include new types of content since it is an election year in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

With 10 years of fact-checking experience, Istinomjer is one of the pioneers among similar organizations in the Balkans. Formed with the idea of ​​checking the promises of politicians, and the effectiveness of their policies, Istinomer today regularly publishes fact-checks in various journalistic forms. The initiative is set up exclusively for the purposes of fact-checking.

In the last six months (from April to September 2020), Istinomjer fact-checked 62 articles. Fact-checks can be found on this link: https://istinomjer.ba/izjave/istinitost-page/

Beside fact-checking we've been publishing other types of articles where we follow the statements of politicians in BiH.

In the same period in the category of consistency/inconsistency 23 articles were written.

https://istinomjer.ba/izjave/dosljednost-page/

In the category of promises, 124 articles were written in the period from April to September.

https://istinomjer.ba/izjave/obecanja-page/

69 analysis were written in previous six months.

http://istinomjer.ba/analize/

49 videos were published in the previous six months.

https://istinomjer.ba/tv-istinomjer/

Monitoring of pre-election promises (General elections and Local elections)

The last update and progress report on the fulfillment of pre-election promises was done in June 2020 (100 days of Government of Sarajevo Canton) and in April 2020 (100 days of BiH Council of Ministers).

In the last six months, Istinomjer has published more than one fact-check per week. On average, Istinomjer publishes 2 or 3 fact-checks per week, with a few exceptions over the course of summer months. Besides regular fact-checks, Istinomjer also published articles in other sections in different journalistic forms.

Istinomjer covers various topics such as politics, language disputes, economy, education, religion, constitution and of course health and COVID-19 related topics since the start of the pandemic. 

Our organization has no commercial, financial and/or institutional relationship to the state, politicians or political parties in the country. Our work is funded exclusively by international organizations which share our beliefs of objectivity and impartiality. Donors have no influence on our work. The work we do is performed strictly in line with our methodology and non-partisanship policy, which ensure objectivity and impartial approach to topics, research and ratings, regardless of who the “actors” are.

There is no track of state funding or institutional relationship to the state or political parties. According to its website, Istinomjer is a non-profit organization relying on international donors who guarantee its independence in editorial policy.

 All information about our non-partisanship policy can be found at this link - https://istinomjer.ba/o-istinomjeru/ 

Istinomjer treats every political party and political option in BiH alike and applies the same standards and methodology when fact-checking accuracy of claims made by all sides of political spectrum.

BiH’s is a very complex political system, where numerous parties and candidates compete in general elections (on cantonal, entity and state level) and local elections (municipal level and Brčko District). This administrative division, paired with ethnic divide (both inherent to the constitutive system and practiced in everyday politics) produces a divided media sphere, where political actors usually receive different treatment based on their relation to these factors (administrative level and ethnic group).

Istinomjer, however, fact-checks statements from across the political spectrum in BiH, applying the same standards and methodology to claims made by all political actors. We also track campaign promises of all the political parties in ruling coalitions on the two top administrative levels and promises of mayors of several municipalities from both entities and from 4 different cantons. These are all competing (and often belligerent) political actors, coming from different ethnopolitical and ideological backgrounds and all are tracked and rated in the same way.

Considering that we can not fact-check all of the statements and promises, we choose those that are newsworthy in terms of dealing with current “hot topics” and issues that affect people’s lives, or those that have weight for citizens as voters (particularly when following pre-election campaigns).

We are nonpartisan and strive to be impartial when drawing attention to the inaccurate statements of all political actors. However, as our work is centered around promotion of political accountability, it is inevitably focused more on some political actors than the others. Specifically, we put stronger focus on the parties and political figures who hold executive power, particularly since we also track these parties’ pre-election promises. We also encourage the readers to point us to the possible false statements, unfulfilled promises, or any other relevant “fact- checking material” that we might have missed.

Links to examples of our fact checks, proving the scope and consistency of our work, can be found below:

Examples of statements rated for truthfulness:

https://istinomjer.ba/nije-neka-alijina-bih-bila-potpisnica-daytona-nego-priznata- clanica-un-a/

https://istinomjer.ba/komsic-neistinito-o-dodikovim-sastancima-nasamo/

https://istinomjer.ba/bih-nije-prva-u-regiji-po-broju-smrtnih-slucajeva-uzrokovanih- pandemijom-covid-19/

https://istinomjer.ba/sdp-bih-nema-najvise-prijavljenih-izbornih-listi-na-teritoriji- cijele-drzave/

https://istinomjer.ba/zvanicni-statisticki-podaci-demantuju-bakira-izetbegovica/

Examples of statements rated for consistency:

https://istinomjer.ba/dodik-i-ranije-jasno-podrzavao-mali-sengen/

https://istinomjer.ba/dodik-promijenio-stav-po-pitanju-pomoci-od-strane-eu/

https://istinomjer.ba/izetbegovic-poziva-da-se-razmisli-o-spajanju-lokalnih-i- opstih-izbora/

https://istinomjer.ba/kadrovi-na-kojima-je-insistirao-snsd-imenovani-prije-ministra- sigurnosti-bih/

https://istinomjer.ba/karte-za-nezaposlene-poskupile-na-osnovu-sporazuma- potpisanog-od-strane-bivse-vlade-ks/

Examples of ratings for promise fulfillment:

https://istinomjer.ba/ako-ne-bude-zahtjeva-za-izmjenama-snsd-ce-podrzati- budzet-bih/

https://istinomjer.ba/prasovic-gadzo-insistiranje-na-amandmanu-koji-nije- predlozen/

https://istinomjer.ba/masic-najavio-rusenje-aktuelnog-saziva-vlade-ks/

https://istinomjer.ba/izmjene-i-dopune-zakona-o-radu-na-dnevnom-redu-vlade- fbih-u-utorak/

https://istinomjer.ba/planiranje-finansijskih-sredstava-jos-uvijek-daleko-od- obicnog-covjeka/

Examples of analysis:

https://istinomjer.ba/vlasti-u-rs-ne-mogu-odredjivati-ime-jezika-kojim-govore- bosnjaci/

https://istinomjer.ba/koliko-ce-se-jos-cekati-na-zakljucke-sda-o-aferi-asim/

https://istinomjer.ba/vlada-ks-nije-dodatno-popunila-redove-u-inspekciji/

https://istinomjer.ba/dodik-u-opstinama-gdje-nismo-dobili-necemo-pomagati- odma-da-znate/

https://istinomjer.ba/rudari-u-bih-u-jamama-uskostranackih-i-privatnih-interesa/ 

Having in mind the complexity of the political sphere in Bosnia and Herzegovina and challenges of the decades-long transitional period, Istinomjer remains very successful in fulfiling its role as a fact-checking centre and holding politicians accountable. Istinomjer fact-checks cover various topics and are not reserved for a particular party or individual involved in public life in Bosnia. All provided fact-cheks fulfil the criteria, written in accordance with the highest journalistic standards.

Istinomjer treats every political party and political option in BiH equally and applies identical standards and pre-established methodology when checking the accuracy of statements and promises of all parties.

Since we cannot verify all statements and promises, we choose those that are currently of public interest, that are important for the daily life of citizens, or that are important for informing voters during the election campaign.

Istinomjer s non-partisan and seeks to maintain impartiality when drawing attention to the inaccurate statements of all political actors. However, as the work of Istinomjer is primarily focused on the promotion of political responsibility, it is inevitable that more political attention will be paid to some political actors. In particular, our focus is always more on those political parties and politicians who participate in the executive branch, especially since Istinomjer also monitors the fulfillment of pre-election promises of these parties. Therefore, we want to encourage readers to point out potential incorrect statements, unfulfilled promises, but also other relevant and verifiable public appearances of political actors that we may have missed.

https://istinomjer.ba/o-istinomjeru/ 

A detailed description of Istinomjer's methodology is easily accessible to all readers on their website, in a separate section that offers more information on how the topics are being chosen and the evaluation criteria. The criteria, as described on their website, is detailed and strict, leaving little space for manipulation and bias.

By randomly choosing a set of fact-checks for evaluation, I've concluded that Istinomjer lists all of its sources and credits them in such manner that the perspective and context of their quotes are obvious to readers. In regards to commercial or other relationship that could influence the findings of a fact-check, I wasn't able to determine any fact-checks describing it. 

I wasn't able to find any examples showing that Istinomjer is an organization affiliated with any party, politician or political candidate, nor does it advocate for or against any particular policy. 

We have a strict employment policy, where we check background of employees during job application, so no one working within our organization, especially Istinomjer cannot engage in partisan political activity or make contributions to candidates or advocacy organizations.

Our previous and current activities, performed both within the Istinomjer and the entire organization, have always been independent from any political influence, as well as from our own personal political and other beliefs. Our work is solely funded by international organizations and embassies, who share our belief in the objectivity, impartiality and influence on public opinion.

As an organization, we engage in promoting government transparency and political accountability, so we always did and will always support policies and legislation that helps Bosnian society move towards more transparent and accountable governance, regardless of which political party or person introduces these policies or legislation.

https://istinomjer.ba/o-istinomjeru/ 

In the "About" section Istinomjer describes how it preserves the transparency of its work. According to the rules listed on their website, Istinomjer employees are not allowed to be an active member of any political party, nor actively participate in the election campaigns of political entities. 

Istinomjer lists and links all of its sources. In cases where other media reportings are quoted links to the original article were provided. In fact-checks that mention documents or statistics, the source of such data is provided and documents published. Readers have access to sources used in the process of fact-checking which allows them to do the fact-checking on their own.

Istinomjer uses primary sources mainly. 

Istinomjer does not take claims for granted and tries to cross-check them.

Istinomjer is one of two fact-checking sections of parent organization CA ”Why not”, as noted in our “about” page (https://istinomjer.ba/o-istinomjeru/ ). Information about legal status and scope of work of CA “Zasto ne” as the parent organization can be found on this link -https://zastone.ba/organizacija  

Istinomjer is a fact-checking initiative founded by CA "Zasto ne", a registered legal entity registered in the register of civic associations with the Ministry of Justice of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

 Istinomjer is a project of the citizens' association "Why not", founded in 2001. It is a non-profit medium whose work has been financially supported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) from the beginning.

https://istinomjer.ba/o-istinomjeru/  

In the "About" section Istinomjer declares its ownership and status. It is a separate project of CA "Zasto ne" dedicated to data verification and accountability promotion - promoting accountability through factor checks of politicians and public officials as well as the media.

https://istinomjer.ba/istinomjer-tim/ 

Istinomjer team members are listed in a separate section of their website. Besides the names, readers can learn more about members' duties and biographies.

 Istinomjer is edited by the following team of journalists and researchers:

https://istinomjer.ba/istinomjer-tim/

A separate section on Istinomjer's website details the professional biography of its team members and play a significant part in its editorial output.

 "Ask the Istinomjer" section is available on the home page: https://istinomjer.ba/pitajte-istinomjer

Istinomjer has a separate page on their website with a form for readers where they encourage people to send questions and suggestions. Besides that, within their contact information, they provide an email address readers could use to reach out to the team.

 The link below provides detailed methodology of our fact-checking work. If necessary, methodology can be translated into English and provided to you.

http://istinomjer.ba/metodologija/ 

Istinomjer has a separate page on their website where they describe their methodology. How they evaluate claims, what are the forms that can be used to explain the topic, and explain each of the criteria they track - claims, promises, accountability. 

Istinomjer selects claims relevant to the public, important for both readers and decision-makers, giving inputs on the accountability of political actors

Istinomjer fact-checks seem objective and include views and proofs provided on all sides of the claim and political spectrum. Fact-checks are mainly based on documented proofs and sources that could be easily checked by a third party.

Same rules apply to all fact-checks I have evaluated, regardless of the topic and the party involved. 

I wasn't able to find examples that would fit the criteria.

Readers can submit requests for fact-checks of claims made by political actors by filling the form that is especially prepared for these purposes, which is easily accessible and visible on the main page of our website.

Please see link below: http://istinomjer.ba/pitajte-istinomjer/

Readers can also submit requests for fact-checks of claims made by political actors by sending us an email with the claim, which is stated on the main page of our website. Also, our readers can contact us through our Facebook page and ask for the specific claim to be checked. Since this channel of communication ha usually been used the most for such purposes in the past, we have a “pinned” post (always visible on top of the page) encouraging readers to contact us with questions and suggestions.

Please see link below:

https://www.facebook.com/Istinomjer/posts/2056717004359621

Readers can also participate in the monitoring of the pre-election promises, by sending us their inputs on fulfillment of each individual promise. Every promise has a form which can be used to submit additional data about that promise.

Please check the link below for an example:

https://istinomjer.ba/predizborna-obecanja/provodjenje-kantonalnog-ekoloskog- akcionog-plana/ 

Istinomjer has a form for readers on their website where they can submit proposals and suggestions. They also use social media to encourage people to propose fact-check ideas.

Our correction policy can be found on the link below:

http://istinomjer.ba/o-istinomjeru/

Istinomjer had two corrections to published articles in the previous period. In the analysis "Will BiH protect its citizens - the case of Trgovska gora" Istinomjer changed part of the originally published text after the association "Green Team" pointed out a flaw in the analysis, and the missed data was subsequently inserted into the text. In September 2020, the Truth Meter in the text "What does the term" national distribution "mean?" changed the original assessment with a detailed explanation of why it was done. At the end of both mentioned texts, a disclaimer was written with a clear explanation of what was corrected in the text.

https://istinomjer.ba/sta-podrazumijeva-termin-nacionalna-raspodjela/

https://istinomjer.ba/hoce-li-bih-zastiti-svoje-gradjane-slucaj-trgovska-gora-2/

Istinomjer has a clear correction policy advertised on its website within the "about" section and is easily visible and accessible.

Istinomjer's correction policy states that all political actors and state institutions who are subject of their fact-checks and whose statements and promises are checked and evaluated, to provide additional clarifications and facts, or to challenge the given assessments if they believe that they do not correspond to the existing facts. Istinomjer team then cross-checks new facts and if it is determined that Istinomjer misjudged the statement or promise in question and based its assessment on erroneous information, it will publicly admit the mistake and correct it. 

As stated on their website the deadline to respond to the request for correction is one working day, unless additional verification of the information is required.

Istinomjer had two corrections to published articles in the previous period. In the analysis "Will BiH protect its citizens - the case of Trgovska gora" Istinomjer changed part of the originally published text after the association "Green Team" pointed out a flaw in the analysis, and the missed data was subsequently inserted into the text. In September 2020, the Truth Meter in the text "What does the term" national distribution "mean?" changed the original assessment with a detailed explanation of why it was done. At the end of both mentioned texts, a disclaimer was written with a clear explanation of what was corrected in the text.

https://istinomjer.ba/sta-podrazumijeva-termin-nacionalna-raspodjela/

https://istinomjer.ba/hoce-li-bih-zastiti-svoje-gradjane-slucaj-trgovska-gora-2/

Istinomjer had two corrections over the course of the year. Within the fact-check, it is stated when and how the story was corrected. In future my advise would be to more precise on what exactly has been changed. Ideally, it would be good to quote the original part of the story and say how it was amended.

Information about complaints regarding the IFCN Code can be found in the section "Correction of incorrect statements" on our about page - https://istinomjer.ba/o-istinomjeru/ 

Istinomjer within its "about" section declares itself an IFCN signatory and inform users that if they believe that they are violating the IFCN Code, readers may inform the IFCN, with a link to the IFCN site.

Not applicable (we are a project of a CSO, not a media company).