SELAK: NEW SRPSKA CONSTITUTION TO ENSURE STRONGER INSTITUTIONS AND PRESERVATION OF DAYTON

BANJA LUKA, OCTOBER 16 /SRNA/ – Republika Srpska Justice Minister Goran Selak said that, once the new government is formed, work should begin on adopting a new constitution for Republika Srpska to preserve its status under the Dayton Peace Accords, strengthen institutions and improve citizens' rights.

Backing the initiative to adopt a new constitution, Selak said Republika Srpska needed a constitution that would protect its foundations and create room for further development.

Selak told SRNA that the new constitutional text should be the result of work by domestic institutions and legal experts, as well as broad public debate.

"The new constitution must be fully consistent with the Constitution of BiH, which is an integral part of the Dayton Peace Accords. This is our constitutional obligation and commitment," Selak said.

He noted that consistently respecting the Dayton Agreement also meant respecting Republika Srpska, its status and its powers, adding that the aim was to improve the entity's institutions and strengthen legal certainty within that framework.

"Our society has matured to the point where we can modernize our constitutional system, ensure stable institutions, define powers more precisely and strengthen guarantees of rights and freedoms. Preserving Srpska primarily means protecting its constitutional status and building a republic in which everyone can live safely and with dignity," Selak told SRNA.

He added that the new constitution should expand the catalogue of human rights and freedoms, strengthen their protection, and affirm the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary, with particular attention to the family, children's rights, privacy and human dignity.

"The strength of Republika Srpska is also reflected in how well its citizens are protected by institutions and how much trust they have in the justice system. We want a constitution that holds those in power accountable, protects people and provides a firm foundation for social development," Selak stressed.

He reminded that the first Constitution of Republika Srpska had undergone numerous amendments, including provisions imposed through decisions by high representatives.

Speaking about plans to redefine the functioning and powers of the Council of Peoples, Selak stressed the need to ensure effective protection of vital national interests through precise rules that prevent abuse and unjustified blockages.

"Protection mechanisms must serve their constitutional purpose, not be abused. Srpska needs a functional system in which powers are clearly defined and accountability for exercising them is precisely established," Selak said.

He noted that the equality of the constituent peoples and the rights of all citizens must be protected, while institutions must be able to make decisions and fulfill their obligations.

He also backed the announced designation of Banja Luka as the capital of Republika Srpska and Pale as its seat of historical significance, saying this would recognize both the entity's present institutional reality and its historical foundations.

"The new constitution should connect what we have created and preserved with what we want to leave to our children. Our goal is a strong, stable and free Republika Srpska, where future generations will want to stay, work and raise families. Its highest legal act should serve that kind of Srpska," Selak concluded.