Dodik Claims Victory in Bosnia Vote as Ethnic Divisions and EU Hopes Collide

Bosnian Serb nationalist Milorad Dodik declared victory for his party after Sunday’s election, despite being barred from public office and not appearing on the ballot. With nearly 90% of votes counted, his ally Željka Cvijanović led the race for the Serb seat in Bosnia’s tripartite presidency with more than 55%. Turnout stood at 42%, about eight percentage points below the 2022 election. The vote unfolded amid economic strain and ethnic tensions, while political divisions continue to hinder Bosnia’s efforts to join the European Union.