The Collegium of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska (RS) has scheduled the 19th special session for today at 11:00 AM, with a key agenda item—the proposal to proceed with adopting a new constitution for Republika Srpska.
Immediately after, the 20th special session was scheduled, featuring two agenda points: the Draft Constitution of Republika Srpska and the Proposal for the Law on the Protection of the Constitutional Order of RS, both set for urgent procedure at the request of RS President Milorad Dodik.
The Speaker of the RS National Assembly, Nenad Stevandić, explained that adopting a new constitution requires either a two-thirds majority or a constitutional referendum, whereas amending the existing constitution would need approval from the RS Council of Peoples. He emphasized that the first session is dedicated to deciding whether to proceed with a new constitution, the second session focuses on the draft approval, followed by a public debate before a final third session for adoption.
The opposition has strongly rejected what they call a “dangerous and radical adventure” aimed solely at protecting Milorad Dodik. Critics argue that the new constitution would enable the creation of a special prosecutor’s office and a detention unit targeting those who violate the law on protecting the constitutional order. Many see this as a tool for cracking down on political opponents.
The proposed constitution also includes controversial provisions such as RS’s right to self-determination, the possibility of forming a confederation with another state, and even establishing its own army—moves that could further escalate tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
