Only one candidate for SDA president?

SARAJEVO, (Patria) – The proposed Statute of the Party of Democratic Action stipulates that the mandate of one person, whether it is the party president, minister, or mayor delegated by the SDA, can last 12 years. According to the current Statute, two consecutive mandates are prescribed, and the amendments to be adopted on September 14 will allow for a third mandate. 

The SDA points out that the most significant changes concern the participation of women and youth in the party bodies. Regarding the number of positions that can be held within the party, it is stipulated that there can be only two positions. 

The position of deputy president is abolished, and instead of eight, there will be nine vice presidents. Two vice presidents must be from the BiH entity of Republika Srpska, as well as one woman. 

As explained, due to the rationalization of the party structure, cantonal committees are abolished, and assemblies and executive committees remain at the cantonal, regional, municipal level, and in the Brčko District. 

Although a reduction in the number of regional committees in RS from six to three was foreseen, the number of regional committees did not change due to resistance within the party. 

The new SDA president will be elected according to the same criteria as before, with the candidate being nominated by 30 members of the Main Board, three cantonal or regional committees, and 15 municipal committees. 

The Election Commission compiles the list, and the election is by secret ballot, unless there is only one candidate, in which case the voting can also be done publicly. This is precisely the possible scenario for the 7th SDA Congress, meaning that the current president, Bakir Izetbegović, could be the only candidate. He has already announced in his media appearances that he still sees himself at the head of the SDA. Before today's session of the Main Board, he stated that none of the party's vice presidents are interested in the position of president.