Siniša Karan has officially assumed office as President of Republika Srpska after taking the ceremonial oath before the entity’s National Assembly, marking the formal start of his mandate.
The Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina confirmed on February 13 that Karan, a member of the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats, secured victory in the early presidential elections. The party is led by Milorad Dodik, whose removal from office in August 2025 triggered the snap vote.
Karan will serve as president until the next general elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina, expected in October 2026.
Election Results and Repeat Voting
The early elections were initially held on November 23, 2025, but Karan’s formal inauguration was delayed due to repeat voting at 136 polling stations following reported electoral irregularities.
After incorporating results from the repeat elections held on February 8, Karan won 50.5% of the vote, defeating his main challenger, Branko Blanuša of the Serbian Democratic Party, who received 48.1%.
Political Background and Interim Leadership
Prior to taking office, the presidential role was temporarily held by Ana Trišić Babić, a longtime advisor to Dodik.
Karan, 63, holds a doctorate in law and previously served as Republika Srpska’s interior minister. Much of his professional career has been spent in law enforcement, shaping his profile as a security-focused political figure.
Political analysts, including representatives from the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Republika Srpska, have suggested that the by-elections may serve as a political test ahead of the upcoming nationwide elections, reflecting shifting dynamics within the entity’s political landscape.
