ĐOKIĆ: PARLIAMENT’S KEY ROLE IN BUILDING, DEVELOPING AND STRENGTHENING SRPSKA

BANJA LUKA, OCTOBER 23 /SRNA/ – The 35th anniversary of the Republika Srpska National Assembly testifies to the continuity of Srpska’s institutional development and its enduring commitment to safeguarding its constitutional position and powers, former National Assembly Speaker Petar Đokić said.

"The strength of any institution is reflected in its ability to respond to the challenges of the times, maintain public trust, and responsibly carry out the duties within its competences," Đokić told SRNA ahead of the upcoming celebration of the 35th anniversary of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska.

Đokić believes that, over the past three and a half decades, the parliament of Srpska has played a key role in building, developing, and strengthening Republika Srpska.

"As the highest representative and legislative body, the National Assembly of Republika Srpska is where important political decisions are shaped, laws are adopted, and the development priorities of Republika Srpska are established," Đokić stated.

According to him, the importance of the Republika Srpska parliament extends beyond its legislative function, as it represents one of the foundations of its constitutional order, institutional stability, and the democratic expression of its citizens’ will.

"Throughout its three and a half decades of existence, the National Assembly of Republika Srpska has faced numerous historical challenges and complex political circumstances, during which it has made decisions of far-reaching significance for the lives of citizens and the future of Republika Srpska," Đokić noted.

He said that the work of the parliament had contributed to the development of the institutional system, the regulation of numerous areas of social life, and the creation of conditions for Republika Srpska to function as a political and legal community.

Đokić says he was honoured to serve as Srpska parliament speaker for a period of time and that, from his direct experience, he understands the responsibility the position entails, as well as the importance of dialogue, respect for differing views, and the awareness that decisions must be made in the interests of Republika Srpska and its citizens to ensure institutional stability.

"The National Assembly of Republika Srpska is a forum for the exchange of differing political views, but it is also an institution where, despite differences, there should be a willingness to discuss the most important issues concerning the future of Republika Srpska, with efforts directed towards reaching compromises on vital matters," Đokić emphasized.

He said that the anniversary of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska was an opportunity to pay tribute to all members of parliament, former leaderships, and employees who had contributed to the functioning and development of the institution through their work.

"I am confident that the National Assembly will continue in the coming period to fulfil its constitutional role, protect the institutional interests of Republika Srpska, and adopt decisions that will contribute to its stability, development, and a better future for all its citizens," Đokić concluded.

The National Assembly of Republika Srpska, the highest constitutional and legislative body within the governing structure of Republika Srpska and the central institution of its parliamentary system, was established on October 24, 1991, as the Assembly of the Serb People in BiH.

The decision was adopted by deputies elected in the autumn 1990 elections.

On January 9, 1992, deputies of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska adopted the Declaration proclaiming the Republic of the Serb People of BiH. This date is celebrated as Republika Srpska Day.

On February 28, 1992, the National Assembly adopted the Constitution of Republika Srpska and the Constitutional Law for its Implementation, formally establishing the legal and constitutional status of the Serb people as a state-forming entity.