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3w ago

Dodik Ally Sinisa Karan Wins Bosnia’s Serb Entity Presidency in Preliminary Count

Low turnout alongside an opposition challenge raises questions about the winner’s mandate.

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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

  • Preliminary results show Sinisa Karan with 50.89% over opposition candidate Branko Blanusa with 47.81%, based on 92.87% of votes counted.
  • Turnout was 35.78% from more than 1.2 million eligible voters, well below the 53% recorded in the 2022 general election.
  • The Serb Democratic Party said it will seek repeat voting at three polling stations, citing major irregularities.
  • Karan, a close ally of Milorad Dodik, pledged to continue Dodik’s policies, while Dodik told supporters the victory was effectively his.
  • The snap election followed Dodik’s removal after a conviction for defying the international envoy and a six‑year political ban, with the winner serving a shortened term until the October 2026 general election.