The political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Pro-Russian nationalist emerges victorious in Bosnian election

The pro-Russian, Trump-friendly Milorad Dodik is retaining his grip on Republika Srpska—one of the two autonomous entities that make up Bosnia and Herzegovina—reports the *Financial Times*.

With 96 percent of the votes counted, his party, the SNSD, has secured 40 percent of the vote. His two main rivals trailed far behind.

Dodik himself was forced out of the presidency last year after attempting to break Republika Srpska away from Bosnia and Herzegovina to join Serbia. Now, his ally Zeljka Cvijanovic is set to become president instead.

In the other autonomous entity—the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the majority are Muslim Bosniaks—the left-leaning Denis Becirovic appears to be heading for victory.

Bosnia’s election involves choosing three separate presidents to represent the country's three largest ethnic groups: Orthodox Serbs, Muslim Bosniaks, and Catholic Croats.

Polling stations close in complex Bosnian election

Vote counting has begun in the Bosnia and Herzegovina election, with polls closing on Sunday evening, AFP reports.

A wide range of positions are to be filled within the complex political system that has kept the country united since the end of the war in 1995.

Most notably, three presidents are to be selected. They represent the country's three largest ethnic groups: Muslim Bosniaks, Orthodox Serbs, and Catholic Croats. The main dividing line in the election runs between increased national unity and EU ambitions on the one hand, and greater autonomy for the ethnic groups on the other.