MAZALICA: VOTE IN ELECTIONS - MESSAGE TO SCHMIDT, COURT AND BiH CEC

BANJA LUKA, OCTOBER 4 /SRNA/ – The head of the SNSD Caucus in the Republika Srpska National Assembly, Srđan Mazalica, told SRNA that SNSD’s primary goal is the stability, peace, and security of Republika Srpska, and conveyed a message to citizens that their vote in the upcoming snap elections should serve as a message to those responsible for the current situation in Srpska.

Mazalica says the SNSD will always strive for an institutional political response and added that he believes the best possible decision was made by choosing to participate in the snap presidential elections. "I believe the citizens will also make the best decision. A vote in the elections carries the weight of a message that should be directed at those who brought us into this situation. That’s /Christian/ Schmidt, the Court of BiH, and the CEC of BiH. We need to send that message back to them," Mazalica said in SRNA podcast. He emphasizes that such a message is the best way to protect the interests of Republika Srpska and its ability to independently decide on all matters. Speaking about the decision by some opposition parties to participate in the snap elections, Mazalica said he expected it but had hoped those parties would act differently for the sake of Republika Srpska. "What they have done undermines the potential of Republika Srpska and our institutional response in terms of a legitimate political threat," Mazalica said. He added that decisions made by institutions manipulated by the illegitimate Christian Schmidt can only be countered with a coordinated political response. "We had an example in 2007 when Miroslav Lajčak imposed amendments to the law in the Council of Ministers and to the rules of procedure of the BiH Parliamentary Assembly. At that time, a coordinated response was organised. A joint rally was held, and our MPs acted together in the Parliamentary Assembly. As a result, those amendments were withdrawn. From then until the time of Valentin Inzko, no high representative imposed any decisions regarding Republika Srpska," Mazalica recalled. He added that beyond the parliamentary majority in the National Assembly of Republika Srpska, certain situations require political unity and a joint position among Srpska-based parties. "I am of the opinion that we missed a major opportunity and a chance to, by boycotting these elections, show an institution at the BiH level that it cannot violate the Constitution of Srpska and conduct elections based on the illegal dismissal of the president of Republika Srpska without the consent of its citizens," Mazalica said. He noted that this was a historic opportunity for Republika Srpska to oppose legal violence from BiH institutions through political action. "That would have been a big step for Srpska. Now they say I changed my mind. No, I still believe that would have been the best option for Srpska, but we must weigh the potential harm that could come if we end up in a divided situation with two presidents - one recognised by the CEC, another by the National Assembly," Mazalica explained. He believes that Republika Srpska is facing even more difficult times ahead, therefore reaching a joint stance on certain issues is crucial. "If it turns out that the opposition hoped for elections and then lost, I really believe they should think hard about it. I strongly believe there are people within their circles who disapprove of that policy. I have contacts with some SDS members who do not support it," Mazalica said. Commenting on the PDP’s decision not to participate in the snap elections, and the statements made by its leader Draško Stanivuković, Mazalica said that Stanivuković’s statements are inconsistent. "He said that the PDP will not nominate a candidate, but that doesn't mean they won’t support one. That means nothing. Stanivuković quickly stated after the judgment and the CEC decision that Milorad Dodik is no longer president. By saying that, you are recognizing the decisions of the BiH Court and the CEC. The difference between them and us is that we believe Milorad Dodik is still the president," Mazalica emphasized.