Post-election coalition talks begin as Bosnian parties outline demanding conditions

Negotiations to form Bosnia and Herzegovina’s next government have started within days of the election, with SDA president Bakir Izetbegović, HDZ BiH president Dragan Čović and SNSD president Milorad Dodik slated to meet next week. The trio has already listed a series of conditions, including a firm European integration agenda, immediate changes to the election law, and the return of the army and border police to the Republika Srpska, as well as control over indirect taxation and the intelligence service.

Dodik is also rumored to seek a guaranteed presidential pardon to re-enter the political arena. Lacking three seats for a stable majority, the coalition will need the SDP’s five deputies or other smaller parties, though the SDP has publicly ruled out joining forces with the SDA. Smaller parties such as the SBiH and DF have voiced skepticism about entering a coalition with the established bloc. Analysts note two possible paths: a traditional alliance of SDA, HDZ BiH and SNSD with minor partners, or a new configuration centered on the SDP.