HARMONIZING JOINT POSITION TO ENSURE LEGAL SECURITY

BANJA LUKA, SEPTEMBER 24 /SRNA/ – Several parties with headquarters in Republika Srpska have announced they will submit applications for the elections and nominate their presidential candidates, thereby opposing the conclusions adopted by the National Assembly regarding the decision of the BiH Central Election Commission /CEC/, according to the information on the announced early elections that will be discussed at today's special session of the National Assembly of Srpska.

"The participation of several parties in the elections and the election of a President of Republika Srpska with lesser legitimacy, but who would be recognized by the BiH CEC and other BiH institutions in line with the BiH Election Law, would produce a conflict with the conclusions and position of the National Assembly, and would trigger a crisis in the functioning of Republika Srpska's authorities," the information emphasizes.

The document reminds that the National Assembly had requested state authorities, institutions, officials, and responsible persons at both the Republic and local self-government levels not to undertake any actions related to the potential holding of early elections for the President of Republika Srpska.

"With the aim of ensuring legal security in Republika Srpska, as well as for all officeholders and representatives of Republika Srpska institutions, deputies demand the opening of a debate with the goal of harmonizing a joint position and direction of action on these issues," the information adds.

The BiH CEC scheduled early elections for the President of Republika Srpska for November 23.

At its 24th special session, the National Assembly of Republika Srpska adopted conclusions rejecting all forms of colonial rule in BiH, which it described as the main cause of the constitutional-political crisis, the undermining of the rule of law, and the erosion of constitutionality and legality in BiH. It also reiterated that it does not recognize Christian Schmidt, his decisions, nor the consequences stemming from those decisions.

Deputies recalled that Schmidt presents himself unilaterally as the High Representative in BiH, although his appointment was not carried out in accordance with Annex 10 of the Dayton Peace Accords nor confirmed by the UN Security Council.

The conclusions further state that the National Assembly does not accept and rejects the verdict of the unconstitutional Court of BiH handed down to Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik, as well as the BiH CEC decision terminating Dodik's mandate, since the Court of BiH issued its verdict based on the decision of an unelected foreigner, Schmidt, rather than on laws adopted by the BiH Parliamentary Assembly. This, the Assembly stressed, constitutes a coup d'etat and a complete collapse of the BiH constitutional order as defined by the Dayton Peace Accords, to which Republika Srpska is a signatory.

The National Assembly requested the President of Republika Srpska to continue exercising the office in full capacity, respecting the Constitution of Republika Srpska and carrying out constitutional duties.

The conclusions also demanded the rejection of any possibility of holding early elections for the President of Republika Srpska, and called on all political actors in Republika Srpska, parties and individuals alike, not to register for such elections.

The Assembly noted that registering for and participating in such elections would constitute a violation of positions of the Assembly, a disruption of constitutional balance, and the annulment of Republika Srpska as a party to the Dayton Peace Accords.

The special session of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska on adopting a position regarding the announced early elections for the President is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.