Bosnia Votes for Future of Divided Nation

[Swede]

Source: Voice of America

Voters in Bosnia-Herzegovina have begun casting ballots in general elections that are seen as crucial for the future of the fractured nation where politicians seek membership in the European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). There are international concerns the country will fall apart along ethnic lines.

Almost 15 years after Bosnia's ethnic war ended, Muslims, Croats and Serbs have begun voting in elections that at least some hope will increase cooperation in the fractured nation.


Read more: http://www.voanews.com/english/news/Bosnia-Votes-For-Future-Of-Divided-Nation--104238713.html

[BlueIris]

1. Kick, for this important development. nt

[pampango]

2. Muslim moderate and hardline Serb set to share Bosnian presidency

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/oct/04/bosnia-election-muslim-moderate-serbian-hardliner

A moderate Muslim is set to become one of Bosnia-Herzegovina's three presidents, early election results suggested today. But one of the other presidents looked likely to be a Serbian hardliner.

Voters choose Serbian, Croatian and Muslim presidents, along with deputies in the central, regional and cantonal parliaments. They also cast ballots for a new president and vice-president of the Serb Republic – one of the country's two autonomous regions.

Zeljko Komsic, the Social Democratic party incumbent, was leading the race for the Croatian seat. Like Izetbegovic, he favours a unified, multi-ethnic Bosnia.

Nebojsa Radmanovic recaptured the Serbian seat in the country's presidency. His party, the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats, was also far ahead in the parliamentary vote in the Serb Republic. The party's leader, Milorad Dodik, threatened secession from Bosnia during the election campaign.