« Back to Accord

Executive Branch Reform: General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Implementations

Executive Branch Reform – 1995

There was no information available on executive branch reform.

Executive Branch Reform – 1996

A 3-member collective presidency emerged on 18 September 1996 from the 14 September 1996 elections. Bosniak (Bosnian Moslem) President Alija Izetbegovic was declared winner together with Bosnian Serb leader Momcilo Krajisnik and Bosnian Croat member Kresimir Zubak.¹

President Alija Izetbegovic was the winner only in the sense that he received the most votes in total, and therefore earned the right to be the first chair of the tripartite presidency — there were, in effect, separate elections for each of the three presidents, meaning that there were three winners (of three elections) rather than one. The first meeting of the three member presidency met on 30 September 1996 in Sarajevo.²

Though they were in disagreement on the appointment of key positions, including Cabinet Ministers, these problems were resolved. This 3-member collective presidency was elected for a two year term, as outlined in the Dayton Accord.

As required by the Dayton Accord, executive branch reform took place with the establishment of a set of new institutions following the September 14, 1996 elections.

“Bosnia’s three-man presidency to meet next week,” Agence France Presse, September 22, 1996.
“Bosnia’s Newly Elected Presidency Meets,” Associated Press, September 30, 1996.

Executive Branch Reform – 1997

No developments observed this year.

Executive Branch Reform – 1998

Presidential elections for four year terms took place on September 12, 1998, according to provisions in the Dayton Accord.