Dodik changes tune: Opens possibility for SNSD to participate in early elections

(Patria) - Former President of Republika Srpska and leader of SNSD, Milorad Dodik, stated today that the party, despite previously adopted conclusions not to participate in early elections for the President of Republika Srpska, will reconsider that decision at tomorrow's session of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska (NSRS).

- Today we see that the Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina (CEC BiH) is re-announcing elections, setting deadlines and issuing orders on how they should be conducted. We note with regret that a coalition of Bosniaks and the opposition in Republika Srpska has emerged, which will participate in the elections.

Therefore, we believe it is necessary to consider the conclusion on not holding elections at tomorrow's session of the NSRS. If there is no willingness for everyone in Republika Srpska to respect these positions, then all other political factors should be allowed to clearly declare themselves on this issue.

If SNSD had wanted only itself to boycott the elections, it would not have sought NSRS conclusions. It is legitimate for others not to want to respect them. It is unnatural not to respect NSRS conclusions.

Before any decision on whether to participate, a discussion must be held in the National Assembly. It will take place tomorrow - said Dodik.

He reiterated that a referendum will be held on October 25 regarding the decision of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the citizens of Republika Srpska will answer the question of whether they accept the decisions of the High Representative Christian Schmidt, the verdicts of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina against Dodik, and the decision of the CEC.

The elections for the President of Republika Srpska are scheduled for November 23, and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury has provided the necessary 6.4 million funds for their implementation.

In August, the CEC revoked the mandate of the President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, due to the verdict of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, by which Dodik was sentenced to one year in prison and a six-year ban from political activity.

The National Assembly of Republika Srpska previously adopted a conclusion that Dodik remains president of Republika Srpska "in full capacity" and that they will not accept the implementation of early elections by the CEC.

However, today Dodik showed that SNSD is not obliged to respect NSRS conclusions if they are detrimental to this party.