Archive · 23 Nov 2025
Bosnian Serb Region Votes for New President After Dodik's Removal
After being removed from office for breaking the law, the Bosnian Serb region is voting for a new president.
The election is between Dodik's ally and an opposition candidate, and the winner will serve for less than a year.
People are voting to decide if the region will continue with separatist policies or change direction.
Milorad Dodik, former president of Bosnia’s autonomous Serb Republic, was removed from office and banned from politics for six years due to a conviction for defying the constitutional court and an international peace envoy.
The snap election on Sunday will determine whether the region moves away from Dodik’s nationalist agenda or continues with separatist policies.
Two main candidates are running: Sinisa Karan, Dodik's ally, and Branko Blanusa, an opposition candidate.
Over 1.2 million people are eligible to vote, with preliminary results expected after polling stations close at 18:00 GMT.
The presidential mandate will last for less than a year as a general election is scheduled for next October.
- Who
- Voters in Bosnia’s autonomous Serb Republic
- What
- Cast ballots for a new president in a snap election
- When
- Sunday
- Where
- Bosnia’s autonomous Serb Republic
- Why
- To determine the region's political direction after the removal of former president Milorad Dodik
Continuation of Dodik's Policies
Change in Direction
Nationalist vs. Separatist Agenda
Continuation of Dodik's Policies
Continue with Dodik's nationalist and separatist policies
Change in Direction
Move away from Dodik's nationalist agenda and focus on internal cohesion
- Former President
- Milorad Dodik
- Conviction
- Defying the constitutional court and an international peace envoy
- Ban from Politics
- Six years
- Main Candidates
- Sinisa Karan (Dodik's ally) and Branko Blanusa (opposition candidate)
- Voters Eligible
- Over 1.2 million