The Delegation of the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina has reacted strongly after the National Assembly of Republika Srpska (NSRS) voted to hold a referendum challenging the final court ruling against former RS President Milorad Dodik, which stripped him of his mandate.
“The ruling of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the case against Milorad Dodik is final and binding and must be respected. Subjecting a judicial decision to a public vote is contrary to the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary,” the EU delegation stated.
The EU called on RS authorities to refrain from further provoking crises and destabilization, urging them to act in line with the Constitution and laws of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“We expect RS authorities to de-escalate the situation and respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” the statement concluded.
On August 22, the NSRS adopted a decision to hold a referendum on October 25, asking citizens whether they recognize the verdict of the Court of BiH against Dodik and the decision of the Central Election Commission (CIK) that removed him from office.
Despite the final ruling, Dodik continues to present himself as the president of RS, while the entity has been left without a formal president or prime minister after Radovan Višković’s resignation.
The opposition warned that the referendum decision violates the Constitution of BiH, which does not grant entities the right to organize referendums on rulings of state-level institutions. Critics also cautioned that such moves could lead to criminal liability and breaches of constitutional order.
The Court of BiH earlier this month sentenced Dodik to one year in prison (converted into a fine) and imposed a six-year ban on holding public office.
