President Milanović: I call on Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina to turn out in as large numbers as possible and elect their true representatives

On the eve of the general elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to be held on Sunday, 4 October, the President of the Republic of Croatia Zoran Milanović issued a message calling on Croats from Bosnia and Herzegovina to go to the polls. The following is President Milanović’s message in full:

“The Republic of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina are two neighbouring and friendly states connected not only by a long shared history, the longest state border, and extensive economic cooperation, but above all by the Croat people, who have lived in Bosnia and Herzegovina for centuries and who are one of the constituent peoples of present-day Bosnia and Herzegovina, alongside Bosniaks and Serbs. It is in the state interest of the Republic of Croatia to have a unified, stable, and secure Bosnia and Herzegovina. Likewise, protecting the rights and status of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a state and national interest, as well as a constitutional obligation, of the Republic of Croatia.

It is therefore the duty of the Republic of Croatia to do everything possible to ensure that Croats remain a constituent people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and that they have their legitimate representatives in government bodies at all levels. Moreover, I am convinced that this is also in the best interest of Bosnia and Herzegovina, because Croats are precisely the link that prevents further destabilization of the country and the driving force that moves Bosnia and Herzegovina toward the European Union.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is now facing general elections at the state and entity levels, in which members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and representatives to the state and entity parliaments will be elected. I consider it important that members of all three constituent peoples – Croats, Bosniaks, and Serbs – this time elect their legitimate representative to the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as their legitimate parliamentary representatives. This is particularly important for Croats because, since 2018, they have not had their legitimate representative in the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In order to rectify this injustice, strengthen their status as a constituent people, and protect their position and rights, Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina need to turn out to vote. I therefore call on Croat men and women in Bosnia and Herzegovina to turn out in as large numbers as possible on 4 October, cast their ballots, and elect their true representatives. The Croat people in Bosnia and Herzegovina now have an opportunity to demonstrate their true will because, I am convinced, they are aware that this is a prerequisite for the survival of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the foundation for the lasting stability and functioning of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”