Dodik Ousted: Bosnia Boots Putin Ally From Office, Triggers Early Elections

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Central Election Commission has officially terminated the mandate of Milorad Dodik, President of Republika Srpska and one of the region’s most controversial pro-Russian political figures, according to the commission’s statement on August 6.

Dodik was elected in the 2022 General Elections as the presidential candidate from the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD), the political bloc bearing his name.

The decision was made public following a session of the Central Election Commission held earlier today.

Court ruling and political fallout

The move follows a recent ruling by the Appellate Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which found Dodik ineligible to continue holding public office and barred him from running for any political position for the next six years.

The ruling came into effect late last week, triggering the Election Commission’s announcement and the need to call early presidential elections in Republika Srpska within 90 days.

While the decision is now legally binding, Dodik retains the right to appeal to the Constitutional Court. His legal team has already announced plans to challenge the ruling.

Dodik, for his part, has rejected the decision as politically motivated and declared he will continue performing presidential duties so long as he enjoys the support of the Republika Srpska parliament.

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“The verdict is unconstitutional and politically biased,” the regional government said in a statement defending Dodik.

EU response and international ramifications

The decision has already drawn attention from Brussels. The European Union emphasized that the court ruling must be respected and implemented, especially as Bosnia continues its path toward EU membership.

“Bosnia must demonstrate a commitment to the rule of law,” an EU spokesperson said.

Dodik’s removal could shift the political balance in the region and potentially ease tensions in a country that remains divided along ethnic and political lines following the 1992–1995 Bosnian War.

Who is Milorad Dodik?

Milorad Dodik has long been a deeply polarizing figure in the Balkans. Known for his strong pro-Russian stance, Dodik has openly advocated for Republika Srpska’s secession from Bosnia and its unification with Serbia. His rhetoric and actions have frequently sparked alarm among Western diplomats and EU officials.

Dodik has also actively supported the Kremlin. He refused to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and publicly backed Moscow’s illegal annexation of occupied Ukrainian territories in 2022. He later awarded Russian leader Vladimir Putin a state medal, drawing widespread condemnation.

Western powers, including the United States, have imposed sanctions on Dodik for undermining Bosnia’s sovereignty, democratic institutions, and its Euro-Atlantic integration efforts.

Once the decision is finalized and all legal avenues are exhausted, Bosnia’s Central Election Commission will officially schedule early elections for Republika Srpska’s presidency. A formal announcement is expected in the coming weeks.

Earlier, reports emerged that Russian intelligence services have set up mercenary training camps in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to prepare fighters for a coup attempt in Moldova.

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