Dodik: I have no problem with SNSD having a candidate in early elections

(Patria) - SNSD President Milorad Dodik stated that there is no personality, movement, or political party in the RS entity seeking early elections, and asserted that he is being removed to hold elections "on the orders of Muslims from Sarajevo and foreign occupiers".

- Even the opposition here is not seeking elections, nor is the trade union, nor employers. We now have to hold elections because they say so from Sarajevo. What kind of respect do we have then? - Dodik asked while a guest on the podcast of American journalist Lara Logan.

He repeated his worn-out mantra that he only supports a constitutional Bosnia and Herzegovina.

- I want to overthrow a system that is unconstitutional. Isn't that legitimate? I am not overthrowing the Constitution, but I am asking for what is written in the Constitution to be returned. If you return that, I have no problem with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

But, if you don't, why should I live in this Bosnia and Herzegovina where they deliver something to us every day, and now they tell us - here, you cannot have your own president - says Dodik.

He believes that those who work against Republika Srpska were interested in him being stripped of his right to engage in politics, "because he speaks publicly, without hesitation, which they do not like".

Dodik reminded that Republika Srpska scheduled a referendum which, as he said, will be held.

- There is a unanimous decision of our parliament to go to a referendum and ask citizens if they want Christian Schmidt, who is overthrowing democratic elections, an unconstitutional court, and the Central Election Commission (CEC) of BiH, which is taking mandates away from legitimately elected representatives - says Dodik.

He notes that it is Republika Srpska's decision not to participate in early elections, but he has no problem with someone from SNSD, whose leader he is, being nominated for these elections and winning them.

- Our support is great at this moment. The party itself is close to a majority, and my support is 62 percent. I have no fear of elections.

But that's not the issue here, but the fact that the Constitution of RS states that the president can only be changed by resignation or a referendum on dismissal - Dodik points out.

He adds that Republika Srpska, if the referendum will of the people is not respected, will create a new referendum in which it will seek independence.