A Fresh Start for Bosnia's Serb Republic: What's Next?

In a significant move, the Serb Republic of Bosnia is electing a new president following the removal of Milorad Dodik. Dodik, a pro-Russian separatist, was barred from politics for six years after defying the constitutional court and an international peace envoy, sparking Bosnia's worst political crisis in decades. The new election is a chance for the region to reconsider its path. Will it continue Dodik's nationalist and separatist policies, or will it choose a different direction? The outcome could greatly affect Bosnia's stability, as the country is still recovering from a devastating war that ended 30 years ago. Bosnia is divided into two main regions: the Serb Republic and the Federation, which is shared by Croats and Bosniaks. These regions are connected by a central government, but its power is limited. The president's role in the Serb Republic is mostly symbolic, but Dodik managed to gain significant executive power during his time in office. Now, voters are choosing between six candidates, with two main contenders: Sinisa Karan, Dodik's ally, and Branko Blanusa, an opposition candidate. Karan is running with the slogan \"a vote for him is a vote for Dodik, \" showing his strong connection to the former president. Blanusa, on the other hand, is a university professor new to politics. He is supported by most Serb opposition parties and promises to fight corruption and the misuse of resources in the Serb Republic. However, many voters are skeptical about the chances of real change. \"There is nothing to be expected, \" said Bozidar Knezevic, reflecting the disillusionment felt by many. With over 1. 2 million people eligible to vote, the results are expected later today. This election is more than just a vote; it's a test of Bosnia's ability to move forward and maintain its fragile unity.