DODIK: TO THOSE COUNTING ON VOTES FROM ABROAD, I SAY THEY ARE WAITING IN VAIN

BANJA LUKA, NOVEMBER 24 /SRNA/ - SNSD President Milorad Dodik said today in Banja Luka that Serbs living abroad also voted for the party’s candidate for President of Republika Srpska, Siniša Karan.

"Based on what we know and what we expect from our activists who traveled across Europe and visited the places where voting took place, I think there will be no problems there. I say to those counting on that that they are waiting in vain," Dodik stressed.

Dodik said that Bosniaks in Republika Srpska enjoy all rights without discrimination, that they do not face existential problems, and that, in that regard, one can conclude that their support for the opposition candidate is being directed from Sarajevo.

"We help develop their communities and do not ignore their infrastructure needs. They have equal access to healthcare in Republika Srpska. However, they are motivated by the headquarters in Sarajevo, which tells them what they should do and how," Dodik said at a press conference in Banja Luka.

He added that the places where Bosniaks mostly live received more from the current government than from the SDS.

"It can only be some backroom dealings coming from Sarajevo. They can keep voting," Dodik said.

He stated that he says all this for one reason - that Bosniaks this time were in a comfortable position, given that there were no Bosniak candidates on the lists.

"When it comes to elections for the president and vice-presidents, they would usually be preoccupied with that contest, but this time they were in a comfortable position. This was widespread now. It isn’t fair. This government has ensured them a secure life, without discrimination," Dodik said.

He added that Branko Blanuša’s result was boosted by 18,000 to 20,000 Bosniak votes, which made the difference.

"That’s why I’m saying this. They have the right to vote for whoever they want. We won’t be taking any measures. However, if we look at a list showing where the money for roads is going, we’ll try to speed up the work there, and maybe they’ll vote for us," Dodik said.

Dodik reiterated that there is no need to repeat the elections in any municipality.

"I understand the feeling of being hurt; I don’t want to comment on the candidate. Anyone who loses has the right to be upset. How is it that someone ‘knows’ there was manipulation of the voters’ will in Doboj, Zvornik, and Laktaši, but not in Teslić, Bijeljina, or Banja Luka, where they won?" Dodik asked.

Dodik said he spoke with people from the SNSD in Doboj, who told him they have nothing against holding repeat elections in that city.

"And what are we supposed to do, repeat the elections until the opposition wins? People there work hard. That’s why in the coming days we will go to Doboj, and the Government of Srpska will create new projects worth BAM 10 to 15 million, as a gesture of appreciation," Dodik said.