Kovačević on candidacy: I want to use the diplomatic network to promote a civic state and preserve the 2:1 ratio for BiH

(Patria) - The candidate of the Democratic Front (DF) for the Presidency of BiH from the Croatian people, Slaven Kovačević, stated today on N1 television's Dan uživo show that his main motive for candidacy is to use the tools of foreign policy and the BiH diplomatic network to promote a civic state and prevent the strengthening of policies advocating ethnic divisions.

Speaking about the High Representative, Kovačević said that the DF recognizes the institution of the Office of the High Representative (OHR) and the legitimacy of Christian Schmidt, but does not have to agree with all of his decisions.

"Unlike SNSD, we recognize the institution of the High Representative and the legitimacy of Christian Schmidt, but that does not mean we have to agree with him on everything. Milorad Dodik does not recognize Schmidt at all," Kovačević said.

Commenting on the amendments to the Election Law of BiH and the Constitution of the Federation of BiH, which Schmidt imposed on election night, Kovačević emphasized that Schmidt created "complete chaos" by selectively relying, as he stated, on the Constitutional Court's decision in the Bože Ljubić case.

"He only partially resolved Decision U-12/15, which was made based on Željko Komšić's request. When amending the entity constitutions, he completely disregarded this Constitutional Court decision, which he should not have done," Kovačević added.

He also raised the question of whether Schmidt's decisions were consciously made to benefit HDZ BiH, and whether he had instructions from the international community to enable the formation of the government of the "Trojka" and HDZ in the Federation of BiH.

"Do you remember the 24-hour suspension of the Constitution, when he replaced Refik Lendo's signature with his own and brought this Government of the Federation of BiH to power? Today, we see the consequences of that Government's three years of work," Kovačević said.

He cited nepotism, corruption, and illegal activities as consequences, mentioning tenders for software solutions on highways which, according to him, are being investigated by the European Public Prosecutor's Office.

"Tenders worth nine million marks are awarded to a single company that applies, and in an extremely short period of time," Kovačević stated.

He assessed the claims of state delegate Ilija Cvitanović that he had changed his ethnic affiliation in the last six years as a notorious lie.

"I last participated in elections in 2016. Elections are the only time you formally declare your ethnic affiliation. So how did I change my ethnic affiliation three times without participating in elections?" Kovačević asked.

Speaking about the reasons for his candidacy, he emphasized that his goal is to preserve the balance of power in the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"The first reason is to preserve the 2:1 ratio in favor of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The second, and fundamental reason, is to prevent an HDZ candidate from entering the Presidency," Kovačević explained.

He then said that he wants to pose a clear question to the citizens of our country.

"Is it better for the citizens of BiH for me to be in the Presidency and use the tools of foreign policy and the diplomatic network to promote a civic state, or for an HDZ candidate to enter who will promote the idea of a third entity and so-called legitimate representation, which in my opinion borders on fascism?" Kovačević concluded while a guest on N1 television's program.