Overview

• Lawmakers in the RS assembly approved the referendum in a late‑night session, with 50 of 65 present voting in favor as opposition deputies refused to cast ballots.
• The ballot will ask voters whether they accept decisions by international envoy Christian Schmidt, the state court verdict against Dodik, and the electoral commission’s revocation of his mandate.
• The RS parliament also adopted conclusions rejecting Schmidt’s authority, insisting Dodik continue as president, and opposing elections to choose a successor.
• Bosnia’s central election commission is expected to call an early RS presidential vote within 90 days after courts upheld a six‑year ban on Dodik holding office.
• Dodik was convicted in February, paid a fine to avoid prison, and has vowed to block elections while urging a mass “no” vote, as outgoing RS prime minister Radovan Viskovic resigned earlier in the week.