Following the conclusion of the public debate on the Draft of the new Constitution of Republika Srpska, political attention is now focused on how the final version will be adopted – and whether the government can secure the required two-thirds majority in the National Assembly. With uncertainties over parliamentary support, discussions are heating up around the possibility of adopting the Constitution through a public referendum.
The Draft Constitution, already passed by the National Assembly, now awaits formal adoption. However, the method of that adoption remains a point of contention. Options include a public vote, a secret ballot, or a referendum – each carrying different implications for legitimacy and transparency.
Nenad Stevandić, President of the National Assembly, stated that “there are more calls than ever for a referendum”, suggesting that public participation would enhance the Constitution’s legitimacy.
Milorad Dodik, President of Republika Srpska, expressed full support for the referendum idea, stating:
“We are ready to support the idea of a referendum, but it should be binding… My idea is to hold it on January 9th to further establish that date.”
However, opposition leaders remain skeptical. They argue that talk of a referendum may be a strategic move by the government to buy time and secure the remaining votes needed in the Assembly.
Jelena Trivić, President of the People’s Front, said:
“They are talking about a secret ballot to get the 3 or 4 extra votes they need. Now they mention a referendum as a delay tactic. If the government insists on a secret vote, the opposition will leave the hall to avoid any suspicion of corruption.”
The opposition’s firm stance includes a proposal that, should a secret ballot be used, they will boycott the vote entirely. This, they claim, is a measure to ensure the process remains transparent and to avoid manipulation.
Igor Crnadak of the PDP echoed that view:
“We’ve done everything else. Now it’s up to the government to decide – do they have a two-thirds majority or not? That’s the question.”
With no clear indication that the ruling coalition holds the needed majority, a referendum may be seen as both a risk and a solution – a way to legitimize the new Constitution through popular support while avoiding a divisive vote in the Assembly.
For now, the key question remains: will the new Constitution be decided in parliament, or at the ballot box?
