NOT ABOUT THE SOLUTION Dodik must not recognize even a comma of Schmidt, whose credibility is reduced to two words 'Electoral Law'

By: Amina Čorbo-Zećo

While the decision of Christian Schmidt on imposing the Electoral Law is awaited, which would include the integrity of the electoral process, analyses and predictions, as well as lobbying, do not stop. News about how European Union diplomats are influencing Schmidt not to impose a new decision can be interpreted in two ways.

However, analyses explaining why Milorad Dodik, the leader of SNSD, would not benefit from the imposition can only go in one direction – he would simply become a political loser in Republika Srpska.

Although these are technical changes that should enable a fairer electoral process, reduce the influence of political parties on elections, vote counting, and ultimately reduce electoral fraud, Dodik is bothered by the fact that new electoral rules that would have to be implemented in Republika Srpska as well would further complicate his position.

He is already on trial for not respecting the decisions of the High Representative, whom he does not recognize, and by implementing the Electoral Law, Dodik would de facto recognize both the OHR and Christian Schmidt, as well as his criminal offense.

Numerous resolutions and decisions adopted in the National Assembly of Republika Srpska would fall, and Dodik would be further 'cornered', which could lead him to more drastic moves, such as declaring Republika Srpska independent.

It is important to understand that Dodik persistently claims that relations in BiH are significantly undermined by Schmidt's behavior, who is trying to impose certain unacceptable solutions, but for Dodik, due to his personal position, it would not be acceptable even if Schmidt declared RS independent tomorrow!

Because, the SNSD leader, with all the political games he plays, must also think about himself. The proceedings against him before the Court of BiH are largely related to Schmidt, who, however, seems to be losing credibility on important issues. He first showed his lack of credibility on issues of state property, and now he is showing it on the Electoral Law.

He announced the imposition of this decision back in December 2023, and now we are entering April 2024 without an Electoral Law.

Admittedly, also without the budget of BiH institutions, so the question is how everything could be implemented at all, because the announced law requires new budget costs.

However, as the days go by, it is becoming increasingly clear that Schmidt will have difficulty taking this step, which, we remind you, is not supported by HDZ BiH either. The "trojka" parties speak about this topic with reservations in public, but it seems they are closer to siding with their partners HDZ and SNSD than supporting Schmidt, whose credibility is at stake!