OSCE on Early Elections in RS: Constitutional Order and Rule of Law Are Not Negotiable

(Patria) - Following the Decision of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Bosnia and Herzegovina of 28 August 2025 to call early elections for the President of Republika Srpska, in accordance with the legal mandate of the CEC of BiH, the applicable electoral framework and the decisions of the Court of BiH and the Constitutional Court of BiH, the OSCE Mission to BiH once again emphasises that the preservation of the constitutional order and the rule of law is not negotiable and remains of key importance for stability and democracy in BiH.

The Mission fully supports the CEC of BiH in exercising its legal mandate and reaffirms the central role of independent electoral institutions in preserving democratic processes.

Respecting the final and binding decisions of competent judicial and electoral institutions is crucial for ensuring institutional stability and public trust.

Ensuring legally based elections is vital for effective governance and for the proper functioning of the institutions of the Republika Srpska authorities, in the service of the interests of Republika Srpska and its citizens.

The Mission calls on all relevant actors to enable the peaceful and orderly conduct of the entire electoral process in accordance with the domestic legal framework and international standards. Any action aimed at obstructing or exerting unlawful influence on electoral processes is contrary to the legal obligations of all public actors and poses a significant risk to the stability of the state.

The Mission remains committed to supporting BiH in preserving and respecting the constitutional order and strengthening democratic governance, electoral integrity and the rule of law, for the benefit of all its citizens.