The leaders of two major opposition parties in Bosnia’s Republika Srpska (RS) entity announced on Wednesday that their parties will join forces and run in the 2022 general elections as a united bloc.

The leader of the Party for Democratic Progress (PDP), Branislav Borenovic, and the leader of the Serb Democratic Party (SDS), Mirko Sarovic, explained that the RS opposition will have a joint candidate for the posts of Bosnia’s tripartite Presidency member, as well as President of the RS.

“In the coming period, we will work on reaching an agreement on joint candidates for positions that are elected in the election,” said Sarovic.

He added that the opposition parties will be working on putting together a document containing their common principles and goals for the 2022 election.

Among the most important issues that must be addressed is amending electoral legislation, both party leaders stressed.

“We believe that in the process of electoral legislation, the opposition, NGO sector and Central Election Commission must be involved,” Sarovic explained.

He added that other opposition parties in the RS will be invited for the next meeting to join the bloc.

“I think this front can expand to include other parliamentary parties. We will compile one document so that we can have a stronger influence on the election process,” Sarovic said.