Bosnia and Herzegovina Schedules Early Election for Republika Srpska Presidency
On August 28, 2025, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Central Election Commission (CEC) announced an early election for the presidency of Republika Srpska, set for November 23. This decision arrives following the contentious revocation of the mandate of President Milorad Dodik, who has been sentenced to one year in prison — a ruling that has significant implications for the political landscape in the region, reports 24brussels.
The CEC adopted the election decision with a vote of five in favor and two against. Opponents of the decision, including CEC Chairwoman Irena Hadziabdic and member Zeljko Bakalar, argued that restricting the candidate pool to Serb representatives undermines voting rights for other ethnic groups. However, proponents referenced Constitutional Court precedents that allow only candidates from the Serb community to stand for election while the mandates of Bosniak and Croat vice presidents remain in effect.
The electoral process is expected to incur costs of approximately US$3.86 million. Additionally, the CEC has ceased new registrations for voters and issued instructions on how the election will be conducted.
This move comes on the heels of the court’s decision regarding Dodik’s political career, a ruling that states he must pay a fine and is barred from political activity for six years due to legal breaches. According to BiH Election Law, any official sentenced to more than six months loses their mandate, necessitating early elections within a specified timeframe following a mandate’s termination.
Despite this legal backdrop, Dodik’s legal representative, Goran Bubic, contends that his client remains president. He claims the CEC’s decision lacks legal standing until it has been formally communicated to Dodik’s authorized representative.
As it stands, Bosnia and Herzegovina is divided into two autonomous entities: Republika Srpska, which is predominantly Serbian, and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, populated mainly by Bosniaks and Croats. These entities function under a feeble central government that strives to maintain representation for the country’s three constituent nations: Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs.
