Nationalists from rival ethnic groups have claimed victory in the Bosnian elections, a result which, if confirmed, will deepen divisions and fuel instability in one of Europe’s poorest countries.
The first official results were still due to be announced but some nationalist leaders already started celebrating.
Milorad Dodik, a secessionist with strong ties to Moscow, claimed his lead was unassailable in the race for the presidency of the Serb half of the country, the Republika Srpska (RS), which he has vowed to lead to independence.
He said his policy would be for the RS to function “less and less [as] an entity and more a state”.
Dodik’s ally, Zeljka Cvijanovic, was also ahead in the vote for the Serb seat on the Bosnian state presidency, in which Serbs, Croats and Muslims, known as Bosniaks, share power. Deadlock between nationalist leaders has weakened the collective presidency and other tripartite state institutions. Serb nationalists are seeking to weaken them further.
Bakir Izetbegovic, the head of the main Bosniak party, the SDA, was ahead in the contest for the Muslim seat on the presidency.
– (Guardian service)