Archive · 23 Aug 2025
Bosnian Serbs Vote to Hold Referendum Amid Growing Tensions
Imagine Bosnia-Herzegovina like a country divided into two parts, and one part is run by Bosnian Serbs.
Their leader, Dodik, was recently told he couldn't be in charge anymore.
Now, the Bosnian Serbs are holding a vote to see if they agree with this decision.
This vote is like asking, 'Do we accept what others are telling us to do?'
Dodik thinks most people will say 'no'.
This is causing tension because Dodik wants more power, and it could affect how the country stays together, and the central government is not agreeing with Dodik.
Bosnia's Serb-run half voted to hold a referendum.
The referendum, scheduled for Oct. 25, questions the acceptance of decisions against Milorad Dodik.
Dodik, the Bosnian Serb leader, expects a 'resounding no' result.
The move is a result of Dodik being stripped of his mandate.
The central government in Sarajevo and Dodik are in a tug-of-war that could threaten the country's integrity.
- Who
- Lawmakers in the Serb-run half of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Milorad Dodik.
- What
- The Serb-run half of Bosnia-Herzegovina voted to hold a referendum questioning acceptance of decisions against Dodik.
- When
- The referendum is scheduled for Oct. 25.
- Where
- Bosnia-Herzegovina
- Why
- To question the decisions made against Milorad Dodik and his removal from office.
Central Government/International Community
Bosnian Serb Leadership
Referendum's Purpose
Central Government/International Community
Concerned about potential secession and undermining of Bosnia's integrity.
Bosnian Serb Leadership
Defiance of the central government's authority.
- Referendum Date
- Oct. 25
- Voters
- 1.2 million
- Leader
- Milorad Dodik
- Bosnia's High Representative
- Christian Schmidt
- US Sanctions on Dodik
- Since 2017