At its 28th emergency session, the Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina (CIK BiH) considered only one agenda item: the "report on checks performed on political entities for participation in the 2024 local elections." Among the decisions made was the rejection of the SDS party's registration.

The CIK explained that the SDS's registration was rejected because the party had submitted a bank account in the name of their general secretary instead of opening a special campaign financing account as required by election regulations. The SDS is currently under sanctions, which complicates its registration process.

“Political parties and independent candidates participating in elections are required to open a special account for campaign financing. The account must be opened by an authorized party body,” the CIK stated. They emphasized that the issue with the SDS application was specifically the account being in the name of the general secretary.

Milicevic: SDS will find a way to participate in elections

Milan Milicevic, the president of SDS, expressed outrage at the CIK's decision in an interview with N1. He described the decision as unprecedented and stated that the SDS would find a way to participate in the elections.

“We have unofficial information that SDS’s registration was rejected due to the lack of a proper account, even though we submitted the general secretary’s account for paying the election participation fee,” Milicevic said. He continued, “I am truly shocked that CIK members made such a decision. It is unheard of to prevent a legal political entity from participating in elections under its name. This is undemocratic and likely illegal. We will use all legal remedies to appeal this decision.”

Milicevic affirmed that the SDS would participate in the elections, regardless of the obstacles.

“SDS will find a way to participate in the elections, either through the appeal process or another method. It is outrageous that such a significant political party and its approximately 100,000 supporters are being disenfranchised in a democratic society. This will not stop us from expressing our political stance,” he concluded.