Circle 99 presented a proposal for the reform of the BiH Constitution based on civic principles

(Patria) - The Association of Independent Intellectuals Circle 99 presented a proposal for the reform of the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which envisages the establishment of a civic and unitarian model of the state based on liberal-democratic principles and European standards of human rights.

According to the proposal, Bosnia and Herzegovina would be named the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, it would be a secular, democratic, and indivisible state with Sarajevo as its capital. The citizen would be the sole holder of sovereignty, while the existing ethnic model of organization would be replaced by a unified state with central authority and units of local self-government.

It is envisaged to introduce the direct election of the President of the Republic and parliamentary representatives, the formation of a Government with clearly defined ministries, and the establishment of the Supreme Court as the highest judicial instance. Alongside the Parliament, there would also be a Council for the Protection of Ethnic Interest, which would consider issues of language, script, and religion, but without legislative powers.

Circle 99 points out that the current constitution produces systemic discrimination against citizens based on ethnic affiliation and residence, which has been confirmed by rulings of the European Court of Human Rights. The new constitution, they state, would be fully aligned with the European Convention on Human Rights, the recommendations of the Venice Commission, and the criteria for accession to the EU and NATO.

The proposal also emphasizes that state property, including seas, rivers, forests, and public goods, must remain state property, while constitutional amendments would only be possible by a two-thirds majority in Parliament, with a ban on any reduction of human rights.