CEC made a decision: Early elections for the President of Republika Srpska will be held on November 23

(Patria) - The Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina (CEC) decided at today's session that early elections for the President of Republika Srpska will be held on November 23.

The decision was supported by four members, while two were against.

CEC member Željko Bakalar supported calling elections for November 23, but was against calling elections for the President of Republika Srpska “from among the Serbian people.” He believes that the right of Bosniaks and Croats to run cannot be taken away, nor can the position of the President of Republika Srpska be tied to only one constituent people, as that would be contrary to the Election Law.

Along with Bakalar, CEC President Irena Hadžiabdić was also against.

There is a problem because the election for the President of Republika Srpska is being called without calling elections for the Vice Presidents of Republika Srpska, as their mandate has not been revoked. Those who voted to call early elections for the President of Republika Srpska from among the Serbian people point out that a Bosniak or Croat, even if elected, could not assume the office because the two current Vice Presidents are a Croat and a Bosniak. Practically, in this sense, there is a legal gap in the current Election Law.

We remind you that the CEC previously revoked the mandate of the President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, after the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina finally sentenced Dodik to one year in prison and a six-year ban on political activity in the case brought against him for disregarding the decisions of the High Representative.

The authorities of Republika Srpska rejected the possibility of the CEC conducting early elections, just as they rejected the decision to revoke Dodik's mandate.

In this regard, the National Assembly of Republika Srpska recently adopted 13 conclusions, effectively refusing to implement the CEC's decision.

The National Assembly of Republika Srpska “warned” all those who cooperate with the CEC in conducting early elections that they will be criminally liable.

Also, in one of its adopted conclusions, the NSRS “demands” that the former President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, continue to perform that function “at full capacity.”

According to the Election Law, elections would have to be held within 90 days from the date of the finality of the verdict, August 18, however, after today's decision, it is clear that this deadline will be exceeded.

(istraga.ba)