Dr. Cerić: Alija's idea had 1,600,000 votes, and now that party expects only 300,000!

Mustafa Cerić, a candidate for the Bosniak member of the Presidency of BiH who received more than 30,000 votes in the last elections, said as a guest on FACE TV that BiH needs an alternative and that he is one of them.

He also recalled the late Alija Izetbegović, the first president of BiH, on the occasion of the 11th anniversary of his death.

- Memories of the late Izetbegović, the first president of BiH, evoke pride and honor in us for the defense of our people and country. But, I also feel a kind of sadness because there is less and less of that honor and pride in our people and country. A lasting memory will remain of the pride we felt when we were together with him on the ramparts of defense. I hope that spark still shines in our true fighters and that it will flare up if necessary – said Dr. Cerić.

Responding to a journalist's question about how he commented on the fact that Bakir Izetbegović managed to repeat Alija's success by winning twice in a row for the Bosniak member of the Presidency of BiH, he said that this fact should be respected, but that people should stop looking at Bakir as Alija's son.

- That should be respected, but there is a difference between being a son and a follower of Alija in political ideology. Besides the "Alija Izetbegović" Museum, we do not have a single institution that preserves Alija Izetbegović's name. His ideas are more recognized in the world. I think those who have inherited his idea, and are still far from it, have not read all his works, I mean those who should also cherish his political tradition – added Dr. Cerić, explaining that he is satisfied with the election results because he entered and exited this race with honor.

- I am glad that I entered a world that was unknown to me when I was the reisu-l-ulema. I met extremely good and bad people, and in between, I met those who are extremely neutral and uninterested. I am satisfied because, despite all the pressures, misunderstandings, and even slander, 30,000 jewels are the people who voted for me. I am sad that my Bosniak people are reduced to one choice, one option. Those who have decided and understood that the sacred mission is to preserve Bosniak unity in the party are only 10 percent of the electorate. Alija Izetbegović and his idea had one million and 600,000 votes. And now, the ambitions of that party were 300,000 votes. It worries me that we are reduced to one outcome. Bosniaks must have an alternative – added Dr. Cerić.

You can watch the complete interview here