The initiative by President Milorad Dodik to proclaim a new Constitution of Republika Srpska represents a logical continuation of the state-building policy pursued by the winners of the latest elections, aimed at preserving Republika Srpska, the Association of the Creators of Republika Srpska told the Srna news agency.
The Association expressed its expectation that Dodik’s proposal would receive the necessary two-thirds majority in the National Assembly required to adopt a new constitution.
Its representatives believe that the significantly changed political circumstances make this the right moment to undertake constitutional reform.
Association expects broad parliamentary support
The Association recalled that it had submitted a similar initiative to the National Assembly in September.
However, it emphasized that Dodik’s proposal carries particular political weight because, according to the Association, it comes from the decisive winner of the recent elections.
The organization previously called for constitutional amendments that would formally designate Banja Luka as the capital of Republika Srpska and Pale as its historic seat.
Pale’s historical role highlighted
In its September initiative, the Association emphasized the historical significance of Pale in the establishment and early development of Republika Srpska.
It recalled that, from late 1991 until the end of 1996, Pale was the center of key political activities involving the Republika Srpska leadership, the National Assembly, and the republic’s military and police authorities.
The Association believes that recognizing Pale’s historical role in the new constitution would acknowledge its importance during that period.
Dodik proposes January 9 as date for new Constitution
Dodik announced on Thursday that the plan is to proclaim a new Constitution of Republika Srpska on January 9, Republika Srpska Day.
According to Dodik, the new constitution would be modern, respect the constitutional status of the constituent peoples and introduce safeguards against abuses in the functioning of Republika Srpska’s institutions.
The proposed constitutional reform is expected to become one of the major issues facing the newly elected National Assembly.
Source: RTRS
