SNSD's Sinisa Karan declares victory, says RS “fought against powerful enemies”

“Thank you, people of Republika Srpska. Thank you to everyone who cast their vote and supported our Republika Srpska. Through me, through my small name, you defended what we have defended several times before – the sovereignty of our people,” Karan said.

He also thanked SNSD leader Milorad Dodik for his trust, as well as the party as a whole.

“We fought against powerful enemies, such as (High Representative) Christian Schmidt. We will never give up Republika Srpska. This was not only a defence of the President of Republika Srpska, but also of the Constitution that grants us full autonomy. This was our defence of institutions,” Karan said.

He added that the election result was, in his words, “a clear response of the Serb people to attempts to abuse judicial institutions.”

“Republika Srpska is a permanent entity, created through wisdom. The institutions of Republika Srpska will not be subordinated to anyone. Our people will be and remain above all,” Karan concluded.

Following his address, Republika Srpska National Assembly Speaker Nenad Stevandic also spoke, congratulating citizens of Republika Srpska.

“There was an attempt to create an image of a divided society, but we showed that we are worthy representatives of our people,” Stevandic said.

He strongly criticised the Serbian Democratic Party (SDS), calling it, as he stated, “the greatest disgrace.”