Republika Srpska Plans Referendum Challenging Dodik Ban, Bosnia Court Ruling

Milorad Dodik, the leader of Bosnia's Serb entity Republika Srpska (RS), is defying a court ruling that stripped him of his mandate and banned him from holding public office due to a conviction related to his refusal to implement decisions by the country's High Representative. Dodik and the RS National Assembly have called for a referendum scheduled for October 25, asking voters whether they accept the decisions by the Central Election Commission and the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, effectively challenging the legitimacy of these institutions and their rulings against him. The referendum and legislative moves, including amendments to the Law on Referendum allowing the RS parliament to form special commissions to conduct the vote, have been criticized as unconstitutional and legally questionable by experts, raising concerns about the erosion of the rule of law in Bosnia. Dodik's defiance includes threats to boycott elections, proposals to criminalize participation in those elections, and plans for further referendums potentially aimed at RS independence, escalating ethnic tensions and risking destabilization in the Balkans. This political crisis pits Dodik, supported by Russia and Serbia, against Bosnia's central government and Western powers, including the European Union and the United States, which warn against moves that could lead to secession and renewed conflict. The situation remains volatile, with Dodik refusing to step down unless certain conditions are met, and the RS government continuing to take steps that deepen the divide with Sarajevo.