# Bosnia Nationalists Win Despite Fraud Crackdown

> Nationalist parties secure power in Bosnia's elections using new voter tech but low turnout favors their dominance.
- Title: Bosnia Nationalists Win Despite Fraud Crackdown · Dw
- Summary: Nationalist parties secure power in Bosnia's elections using new voter tech but low turnout favors their dominance. Bosnian nationalist parties won elections…
- Keywords: bosnia, nationalist, elections, voter turnout, republikasrpska, sdn, hdzbih, dayton, balkans, political, voter registry, biometric
- Source: Dw — https://dw.com/en/bosnia-election-new-steps-to-prevent-electoral-fraud-but-nationalist-parties-remain-on-top/a-79544717?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: bosnia, nationalist, elections, voter turnout, republikasrpska, sdn, hdzbih, dayton, balkans, political, voter registry, biometric
## Record Low Turnout
Voter turnout in Bosnia reached a record low of just over 40% on October 4.
## New Voter Tech
New technology introduced to stop vote-rigging included biometric fingerprint checks at every polling station.
## Nationalist Parties Win
Three nationalist parties won each within their own community: SNSD among Serbs, SDA among Bosniaks, and HDZ BiH among Croats.
## Dayton Split
Bosnia split into two entities after the 1995 Dayton Peace Agreement: Republika Srpska with Serb majority and Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina with Bosniak-Croat majority.
## Milorad Dodik's Return
Milorad Dodik, barred from office for six years after 2025 conviction, led SNSD to victory in Republika Srpska.
## Dodik's Plan
Dodik announced a return to 'original Dayton' to dismantle state powers including army, border police, and intelligence services.
## SNSD and HDZ BiH Deal
SNSD and HDZ BiH reportedly agreed to pardon Dodik if he returns as prime minister of Republika Srpska.
## Federation Results
The Troika coalition lost, with SDA winning most seats but Bakir Izetbegovic losing the presidency to Denis Becirovic.
## Croat Surprise
Darijana Filipovic of HDZ BiH won the Croat seat in the presidency despite being a young candidate.
## State Fragmentation
Two nationalist parties control the presidency, both seeking to weaken the state and split Bosnia into smaller entities.
## Regional Rivalry
Bosnia becomes a stage for US, EU, and Russia rivalry as Dodik thanked both Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump after victory.
## Key takeaway

Bosnian nationalist parties won elections with record low turnout despite new anti-fraud measures, maintaining control in ethnic communities.