DODIK: NO CEC IS MENTIONED IN PRESIDENTIAL OATH

BANJA LUKA, AUGUST 6 /SRNA/ – Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik has stated today that the Central Election Commission /CEC/ is not mentioned anywhere in the oath he took upon assuming office.

"How did I swear in? `I solemnly swear that I will conscientiously and responsibly perform my duties, protect state secrets, defend and represent the interests of the people and citizens of Republika Srpska, and honourably uphold the Constitution and laws of BiH and Republika Srpska.` There is no mention of the CEC here,” Dodik posted on X. The Central Election Commission of BiH today issued a decision terminating the presidential office of Milorad Dodik as President of Republika Srpska, who was elected in the 2022 general elections. The decision is subject to appeal. CEC's decision followed the ruling of the Appellate Division of the Court of BiH, which upheld an earlier first-instance judgment sentencing President Dodik to one year in prison and six years of a ban on political activity for "non-compliance with the decisions of Christian Schmidt".