Bosnia's Political Turmoil: Dodik's Defiant Stand

The Bosnian election commission on Wednesday ousted Milorad Dodik, the separatist Bosnian Serb president, after an appeals court upheld his sentence to a year in jail and a six-year ban from politics. Dodik immediately rejected the commission's decision, which takes effect after the appeals period ends. An early election in Bosnia's Serb region is expected within 90 days, as stated by commission member Suad Arnautovic.

Dodik has dismissed his conviction as politically motivated and vowed to remain in his position with support from Bosnian Serb lawmakers. At a Wednesday press conference, he announced plans for a referendum on his dismissal, asserting that to comply would violate the Serb Republic constitution. Dodik blamed international overseer Christian Schmidt and Bosniaks for the ruling, and called Schmidt's appointment invalid. The RS government and Dodik's party rejected the sentence, inviting opposition parties to join a unity government.

Vowing 'no surrender,' Dodik indicated on social media his determination to resist the electoral commission's ruling. Leaked support from leaders in Serbia, Russia, and Hungary highlights international opposition to the decision. Dodik, who has pushed for RS secession, was punished for defying Bosnia's Constitutional Court. This political showdown deepens Bosnia's crisis, reminiscent of tensions from the 1992-1995 war that resulted in 100,000 deaths and was resolved by the Dayton peace agreement.

(With inputs from agencies.)