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Relying on a subjective and procedural understanding of substantive representation as communication, responsiveness, and accountability, this article examines the effects of reserved seats for minorities in local assemblies in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through comparative qualitative case studies of eight municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the article sheds light on the effectiveness of various configurations of political representation of minorities in terms of the actual influence on decision-making on the one hand, and accountability of the minority representatives to their constituency on the other-in particular in relation to the political background and party affiliation of minority representatives. First, it was found that reserved seats have had an overall positive, but in reality rather modest effect in terms of strengthening the political voice of minorities in decision-making. Second, it was found that the party affiliation of minority representatives is a crucial factor in establishing and effectively maintaining the relationship of substantive representation. While procedural substantive representation of constituent peoples in minority situations benefits from an ethnic party framework, lack of party affiliation positively affects substantive representation of national minorities proper.

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