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Republika Srpska Holds Early Presidential Vote After Dodik’s Ouster

The election follows a court-affirmed conviction that cost Milorad Dodik his mandate.

Overview

  • Polls opened at 07:00 and close at 19:00 local time for 1.26 million registered voters across 2,211 stations and in BiH missions in Belgrade, Berlin, Vienna and Munich.
  • Six candidates are on the ballot, with SNSD’s Siniša Karan facing SDS contender Branko Blanuša in the principal race.
  • The Interior Ministry enabled same‑day issuance of identity documents during polling hours and imposed temporary bans on heavy trucks and the transport of explosives and weapons until Tuesday morning.
  • Voting has been calm in Banja Luka, where central precincts reported roughly 14–16% turnout by 11 a.m., and the election commission accredited 639 observers.
  • The winner will serve until October 2026 under a relative‑majority system, and Russia’s ambassador has questioned the vote’s classical legitimacy.