Nikšić confirmed: No negotiations on the Election Law until the crisis is resolved

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - SDP President Nermin Nikšić confirmed at a press conference that his party will not participate in negotiations on amendments to the Election Law and constitutional changes until the state authorities are unblocked and the conclusions of the NSRS are withdrawn.

He believes that the conclusions of the National Assembly of the Republika Srpska are the result of international pressure, as it was previously announced that laws on the transfer of competencies from the state to the entity level would be adopted immediately. However, he stated that this is also unacceptable.

"Now, laws have not been adopted, but conclusions that will result in laws, and this is an open attack on Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is clearly undermining the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and these are the first steps of a secessionist process. It is irresponsible to bury one's head in the sand and pretend that nothing has happened," Nikšić emphasized.

He called on international institutions to also contribute to unblocking the state authorities and preventing the transfer of competencies.

"We believe that there are no conditions for discussing amendments to the Election Law and the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Of course, the SDP will participate in all activities within institutions that will focus on repealing the unconstitutional decisions of the NSRS and unblocking the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We are not freezing our status there and will give our contribution. Dialogue has no alternative. The attention of domestic and international actors must be directed towards unblocking state institutions and repealing the conclusions of the NSRS," he stressed.

According to him, this crisis has reached an escalation and is not heading in a good direction. He also announced that the SDP will form its own legal team to address these issues. He also called on the judiciary to react.

"For us, it is very important to insist on a legal response and interventions by judicial authorities. We expect their reaction. The SDP will also form a legal team that will formulate a precise response. It is very important that the work of the judiciary is free from political pressure and influence. The fight against crime must be uncompromising. That crackdown will certainly trigger other processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina," assessed the SDP president.

He added that they are grateful to the international community for what they are doing, but that a greater engagement of the international community, especially the High Representative, is expected in resolving this crisis.

Asked about the possibility that general elections will not be held in Bosnia and Herzegovina next year, he said that BiH must not find itself in a situation without elections.

"Of course, it is possible that someone will boycott the elections. That is not an unknown situation in the world," he stated.