CONSTITUTIONAL ROLE OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY - PROTECTING THE DAYTON AGREEMENT AND CONSTITUTIONAL ORDER

BANJA LUKA, AUGUST 23 /SRNA/ - Lawyer Ognjen Tadić stated that the established referendum question does not constitute unconstitutional interference by the National Assembly of Republika Srpska in the powers of any institution, but rather relates to the protection of the Dayton Peace Agreement and the constitutional orders of BiH and Republika Srpska from unlawful decisions by Christian Schmidt and decisions made by others based on his actions.

Tadić noted that, in accordance with Article 77 of the Constitution of Republika Srpska, the National Assembly may decide that, on certain matters within its powers, a decision is made only after prior approval by the citizens in a referendum. "The Constitution clearly states that the National Assembly adopts the Constitution, 'expressing Republika Srpska’s commitment to full respect for and consistent implementation of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in BiH, which unambiguously acknowledges, confirms, and guarantees the constitutional-legal position of Republika Srpska as one of the two entities within BiH.’ Therefore, a protective approach to the Dayton Agreement and its observance is part of the constitutional role of the National Assembly," Tadić explained. He added that by voting "No," citizens will decide that both now and in the future, Schmidt’s usurpation of the High Representative’s functions, his unlawful decisions, and everything else caused by his false representation as High Representative will not be accepted, something particularly emphasized regarding the unlawful proceedings conducted against the President of Republika Srpska. The National Assembly of Republika Srpska adopted on Friday evening a decision to hold a referendum regarding the ruling of the unconstitutional Court of BiH against Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik and the decision of the Central Election Commission of BiH to terminate the mandate of President Dodik, setting the referendum date for October 25. The referendum question reads: "Do you accept the decisions of the unelected foreigner, Christian Schmidt, and the verdicts of the unconstitutional Court of BiH against the President of Republika Srpska, as well as the decision of the CEC to terminate the mandate of Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik?"