CEC certified SNSD's candidacy for early presidential elections in RS

(Patria) - The Central Election Commission of BiH at today's session certified SNSD's participation in the early elections for the president of RS. There are no obstacles for Milorad Dodik to remain president of SNSD. Member of CEC Suad Arnautović voted against this decision.

Members of the CEC pointed out that there were questions whether Dodik could remain president of RS.

"I don't see a connection to consider the president of a party as an official. Officials are elected and appointed persons. When you read the verdict, you see that it refers to official functions. I agree with the service's proposal in all statements. There is no doubt that the conditions for certifying all candidates have been met," said Irena Hadžiabdić.

Željko Bakalar, a member of the CEC, said that according to the registration decision of SNSD, the president is Milorad Dodik.

"We acted according to the final verdict of the Court of BiH," said Bakalar.

The president of the CEC, Jovan Kalaba, said that according to the court register, the authorized person to represent SNSD is Milorad Dodik.

Suad Arnautović, a member of the CEC, was of the opinion that Dodik cannot hold the position of president of SNSD and sign the participation in the elections.

The CEC certified the candidacies of SDS, SNSD, Ecological Party of RS, For Justice and Order list of Nebojša Vukanović, Alliance for New Politics. Independent candidates Igor Gašević and Slavko Dragičević were also certified.

Ahmet Šantić, a member of the CEC, said that the Council of Ministers of BiH has not yet adopted the CEC Rulebook, which hinders the work of the CEC.

"The executive body is not receptive to the upcoming activities. It is obvious that they think we have received money and should conduct the elections as best we can," said Šantić.

Irena Hadžiabdić, a member of the CEC, said that the work of the CEC is being obstructed.

"The Audit Service has five people, and it has been like that for years. The OSCE and ODIHR state that increases are needed to do the job. These are not tasks that can be performed by those who have just joined the institution. These are professional tasks. The appointment of the president and deputy president is a separate activity. We currently have two people to contact the 143 municipal commissions."