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Bosnia's Serb Region Votes in Snap Presidential Race After Dodik's Removal

The vote tests Dodik’s residual influence, with the winner serving only until the 2026 general election.

A man walks past an election billboard showing Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik, and SNSD party's candidate Sinisa Karan, reading: "For Karan, Republic of Srpska will win, For Dodik.", two days before early presidential elections in the Bosnian town of Banja Luka, 240 kms northwest of Sarajevo, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Radivoje Pavicic)
A Bosnian Serb votes during the Serb Republic's early presidential election called by the state election authorities after Milorad Dodik, the region's former president, was banned from holding a political office for six years, in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, November 23, 2025. REUTERS/Amel Emric
A Bosnian Serb votes during the Serb Republic's early presidential election called by the state election authorities after Milorad Dodik, the region's former president, was banned from holding a political office for six years, in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, November 23, 2025. REUTERS/Amel Emric
A Bosnian Serb votes during the Serb Republic's early presidential election called by the state election authorities after Milorad Dodik, the region's former president, was banned from holding a political office for six years, in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, November 23, 2025. REUTERS/Amel Emric

Overview

  • More than 1.2 million people are eligible to vote across Republika Srpska, with polling from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.
  • Six candidates are running, with Dodik-backed Sinisa Karan facing opposition contender Branko Blanusa as the leading rivals.
  • The vote follows Dodik’s conviction for defying the international peace envoy, his removal from office, and a six-year ban upheld this month by Bosnia’s top court.
  • Preliminary results are expected after polls close, while the Central Election Commission will certify final totals later.
  • The victor will serve only the remainder of Dodik’s term until the October 2026 general elections.