Bosnia's Election Commission strips RS President of mandate following final Court ruling

The session was conducted in correspondence format. Three members were physically present, while the remaining four had previously submitted written approval, resulting in unanimous support from all seven commissioners.

CIK member Suad Arnautovic clarified that this is currently a declarative decision, noting it will only become legally binding after the appeal period expires, a process that could take up to two months due to procedural delays. Dodik’s legal team retains the right to file an appeal with the Appellate Division of the BiH Court, which handles electoral disputes.

CIK had earlier formally requested the Court’s ruling documentation before initiating the mandate revocation process. Once received, the Commission had a maximum of 15 days to act. Should the final decision stand after appeal, early presidential elections in Republika Srpska must be organised within 90 days of the mandate’s termination.

Vehid Sehic, a former CIK member, confirmed that procedures were launched immediately upon the verdict confirmation. He emphasised that if Dodik were to attempt candidacy again during the ban, CIK would reject it. Sehic also warned that if Dodik refuses to comply with the decision, contempt-of-court charges could result in detention.

Dodik has previously suggested he would not step down despite the court ruling. Mere hours before CIK’s decision, he posted a cryptic message on platform X, further signalling defiance.

What happens next:

The CIK is expected to issue a formal mandate termination decision within the legal deadline. The Appellate Division of the BiH Court will review any appeals and decide on the ruling’s finality. If upheld, early elections for the RS Presidency will be held within 90 days, and Dodik will be barred from running for any political office for six years.

The decision by the election watchdog marks the beginning of the official implementation of a binding court ruling that sentenced Dodik to one year in prison and imposed a six-year ban from political engagement. The process was carried out in accordance with the BiH Election Law, and the Commission is now expected to officially end Dodik’s mandate and organise early elections in Republika Srpska.

Dodik’s conviction includes a one-year prison sentence and a six-year prohibition from holding the office of RS President or any other legal public function.

On Monday, the Government of Republika Srpska held a special session where it adopted eight conclusions, including the outright rejection of the BiH Court’s verdict and a call for all political parties to support Milorad Dodik.