The Central Election Commission (CIK) of Bosnia and Herzegovina unanimously voted to strip Milorad Dodik, the convicted president of the Republika Srpska (RS) entity, of his mandate, prompting calls for early elections and a referendum on his political future.
Despite the decision, Dodik and his supporters reject the ruling, citing his electoral legitimacy. Meanwhile, Slovenia remains one of Dodik’s few remaining allies, a stance that critics say risks damaging the country’s credibility, according to a detailed report by Slovenian newspaper Delo on August 7.
Dodik’s defense can appeal the CIK ruling to the Bosnian Court, which is currently reviewing election complaints. The appeal must be filed within two days of receiving the decision. Once finalized, the CIK is expected to schedule early RS presidential elections within 90 days. Regular general elections are set for October 2026.
Dodik was sentenced to one year in prison and barred from political office at all levels in Bosnia and Herzegovina for six years for defying the High Representative’s decisions. He signed decrees reinstating laws previously annulled by the High Representative, Christian Schmidt, effectively challenging Bosnia’s constitutional order.
Dodik’s party, the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD), has rejected the verdict and called on the opposition to form a government of national unity, while demanding the restoration of the RS entity’s constitutional framework.
Slovenia’s government recently issued a statement rejecting the Bosnian court’s ruling and urged all parties to support Dodik.
Analysts express skepticism about the opposition’s willingness to cooperate, given ongoing tensions and accusations against Dodik’s opponents as “foreign mercenaries” and “Sarajevo puppets.”
Dodik’s lawyer, Goran Bubić, announced plans to appeal to Bosnia’s Constitutional Court.
Zijad Bećirović, director of the Institute for Balkan and Middle Eastern Studies (IFIMES), in a statement for Delo criticized Slovenia’s protective stance toward Dodik, linking it to increased Russian influence and trade in Slovenia. He warned that the United States might impose sanctions on Slovenian individuals and entities connected to Dodik.
“Dodik has become an internal political factor in Slovenia, affecting upcoming parliamentary elections. Slovenia’s current policy means it will not dare impose sanctions against him,” Bećirović said.
The RS parliamentary speaker Nenad Stevandić defended Dodik, emphasizing his popularity as the most voted politician in Bosnia and Herzegovina and rejecting efforts to ban his political activity.
Dodik announced plans for a referendum on his presidency, with the RS National Assembly set to vote on the issue soon.
This ongoing political crisis underscores persistent tensions within Bosnia’s fragile power-sharing arrangement and raises concerns about external influences shaping the country’s future.