JOINT RESPONSE OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS: Suspension of democratic will of citizens – absolutely unacceptable

Civil society organizations from Banja Luka, gathered in the initiative The reaction , in this way, strongly condemns the announcement by Milorad Dodik, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and President of the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD) that he will change The Law on Local Self-Government in the Republika Srpska in the sense that greater powers will be given to the parliamentary majority in local communities. The announcement comes after the SNSD president expressed his dissatisfaction with the election results regarding the election of the mayor of Banja Luka. The Reaction Initiative believes that the threats of the SNSD president by denying economic support to local communities in which the government did not provide his party are an absolutely unacceptable way of political communication, which is also characteristic of totalitarian regimes.

Banja Luka, 26. November 2020 – Civil society organizations from Banja Luka, gathered in the initiative The reaction , in this way, strongly condemns the announcement by Milorad Dodik, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and President of the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD) that he will change The Law on Local Self-Government in the Republika Srpska in the sense that greater powers will be given to the parliamentary majority in local communities. The announcement comes after the SNSD president expressed his dissatisfaction with the election results regarding the election of the mayor of Banja Luka. The Reaction Initiative believes that the threats of the SNSD president by denying economic support to local communities in which the government did not provide his party are an absolutely unacceptable way of political communication, which is also characteristic of totalitarian regimes.

Initiative The reaction notes that, if changes are made According to the Law on Local Self-Government , in a way that reduces the powers of the mayor, that would mean annulling the electoral will of the citizens and endangering the democracy guaranteed by the Constitution. The Constitution of the Republika Srpska guarantees freedom of political organization and action, and prohibits any political organization and action aimed at endangering democracy. The law on local self-government was passed four years ago, and The work program of the Government of the Republic of Srpska for 2020. No activities related to the reorganization of this area have been planned for the year.

The Reaction Initiative warns that changes to the law immediately after the local elections, in terms of changing the powers of local self-government bodies, would indicate political revanchism, as well as that the provisions of the law be adjusted to the ruling party’s election results. The constitutional order of the Republika Srpska is based, among other things, on local self-government. The European Charter of Local Self – Government, ratified by Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2002. guarantees a high degree of autonomy to local authorities, as well as the right of local authorities to regulate and manage a significant part of public affairs within the limits of the law. The charter stipulates that the working conditions of elected local officials must be such as to ensure the free exercise of their functions.

In all democratic societies, local authorities seek to strengthen greater citizen participation and forms of direct democracy. The organizations signed here believe that the systemic laws on local self-government must not be changed in any way, exclusively in the interest of the ruling party, and to the detriment of the rights and freedoms of citizens. It would be especially dangerous if the amendments to the law were made in an urgent legislative procedure.

The statement is signed by:

Banjalučki centar za ljudska prava

Citizens’ Association “Sharp Zero”

Helsinški parlament građana Banja Luka

Citizens’ Association eTrafika.net

Citizens’ Association “Hello”

Center for the Environment

Banja Luka Youth Decontamination Information Center

Citizens’ Association “Path of Justice”

Quarter Youth Center

Association of Independent Creators and Activists “Ghetto” (UNSA “Ghetto”)

Transparency International in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Press rls-26.11.2020