DODIK: NO ONE IN REPUBLIKA SRPSKA IS CALLING FOR SNAP ELECTIONS

BANJA LUKA, SEPTEMBER 6 /SRNA/ – Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik says there is not a single individual, movement, or political party Republika Srpska calling for snap elections, and that he is being removed in order for elections to be held at the request of Muslims from Sarajevo and foreign occupiers.

“Not even the opposition is asking for elections here, nor are the trade unions or employers. Now we have to hold elections just because Sarajevo says so. Then what kind of respect do we have?” Dodik said in a podcast with American journalist Lara Logan. Dodik has emphasized that he supports a constitutional BiH, not unconstitutional one. “I want to dismantle a system that is unconstitutional. Isn't that legitimate? I am not undermining the Constitution; I am asking for what is written in the Constitution to be restored. If restored, I have no problem with BiH. But if you won’t do that, why should I live in a BiH where some things are being conveyed daily, and now you’re saying – ‘You can't even have your own president,’” Dodik pointed out. He has noted that those acting against Republika Srpska are interested in stripping him of the right to engage in politics because he speaks publicly without hesitation, which they don’t like. Republika Srpska, Dodik added, has scheduled a referendum, which will be held. “There is a unanimous decision by our parliament to go ahead with the referendum and to ask the voters whether they prefer /Christian/ Schmidt, who is undermining democratic elections, the unconstitutional court, and the Central Election Commission /CEC/ of BiH, which is taking away office from legitimately elected representatives,” Dodik noted. He says Republika Srpska has decided not to participate in snap elections, but that he has no issue with someone from the SNSD /the party he heads/ running in those elections and winning. “Our support is currently strong. The party itself is close to a majority, and my personal support is at 62 percent. I have no fear of elections, but this isn’t about that – it’s about the fact that the Constitution of the Republic says the president can only be replaced through resignation or a recall referendum,” Dodik explained. He says if the referendum will of the people is not respected, Republika Srpska will create a new referendum to seek independence. He emphasizes that the situation at the BiH level is unstable, while it is very stable within Republika Srpska.