Bosnia and Herzegovina: The Quest for Change

After six years, the Platform for Progress will no longer exist as a sole political party in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This as the congress of the Platform has decided on the future direction of the party. The first option would be to join with another party or parties to form an entirely new entity. If that does not work out, then continue as a movement rather than a political party. I recently spoke with the president of the Platform for Progress, Mirsad Hadźikadić, about these difficult and trying times.

The Congress of the Platform for Progress will decide upon the future of the political organization when it meets on Saturday, October 26. In my recent conversation with the president of the Platform for Progress, Mirsad Hadźkadić, he shared the options that are being considered moving forward and some of his personal thoughts as he will be stepping down as president after serving eight years in that role. 

Following the disappointing results from the local elections, some true soul-searching is underway by members of the Platform for Progress. As the president of the Platform, Mirsad Hadźikadić, recently shared, there are several options that are being considered, none of which will be easy for the party that was formed just six years ago.

The recent local elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina did not play out as hoped by members of the Platform for Progress. During our recent conversation, the president of the Platform, Mirsad Hadźkadić, shared his disappointment and frustration with the ongoing struggles that are faced in the attempt to bring about democratic change to the country.

With the campaign period in full swing, members of the Platform for Progressive are manning information booths throughout the country as they pass out literature and answer questions from curious voters. And what they are hearing is the ongoing story of voter apathy. During our recent conversation the president the Platform, Mirsad Hadźkadić, spoke about his ongoing dilemma and the challenges that lie ahead in the next few weeks. 

September 6 marked the first day of the official campaign period for the local elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I recently spoke with the president of the Platform for Progress, Mirsad Hadźikazdić, about what lies ahead for the Platform, the newly formed coalition, and what it all may mean. 

In just over a month voters from around Bosnia and Herzegovina will head to the polls for the local elections. I recently spoke with the Platform for Progress president, Mirsad Hadźikadić, about the ongoing preparations. Hadźikadić also took time to reflect on two events that he attended to honor those who lost their lives during the genocide. 

Each year for the last 20 years thousands have gathered from around the world to participate in the Peace March in Bosnia and Herzegovina to honor the more than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys who were massacred by the Bosnian Serb force. The three-day walk traverses the same route in the mountains in reverse that the men and boys traveled while trying to escape the troops. This year, as he has done every year since 2018, Platform for Progress president Mirsad Hadzikadic participated in the march.

The Platform for Progress is finalizing the list of candidates who will appear on the ballot for the general elections in October. Platform president Mirsad Hadźkadić said the process this time is made even more tedious and complicated because of their recently formed collation. One that has him tempering the egos of some who feel they are not being represented properly on the ballot.  

The Platform for Progress has formed a coalition with another existing political party as the local elections in October draw closer. In a recent conversation with the president of the Platform, Mirsad Hadźkadić, we spoke about the reasoning behind the move and what it means moving forward for both parties.

The pace has quickened as members of the Platform for Progress focus their attention on the upcoming local elections. The list of candidates is being finalized as the Platform continues to mull the idea of forming some sort of a coalition. In my recent conversation with Platform president, Mirsad Hadźikadić, he said they are also faced with the continual dilemma of transforming the enthusiasm they are seeing on the streets into votes at the polls.

As the October local election draws closer The Platform for Progress is again weighing the options of whether to form or join a coalition. The president of the Platform, Mirsad Hadźikadić, said there have been countless discussions both internally and around the country to determine the sentiments of doing so, and what if any benefits such a move would have for the The Platform for Progress. 

As seems to be the case every election cycle, gray clouds have once again moved in over Bosnia and Herzegovina. There remains tension over the proposed UN resolution regarding the genocide in Srebrenica as the sounds of saber rattling are loud and clear. The president of the Platform for Progress, Mirsad Hadźikadić, says the talk of war is nothing unusual during an election cycle, but the frustration is always there as it distracts from getting their message of change before the people.

A resolution regarding the genocide in Srebrenica will come before the United Nations General Assembly in May. Platform for Progress president, Mirsad Hadźikadić, says the resolution has many sponsors and there is an ongoing flurry of activity in preparation for the discussion of the resolution. Hadźikadić, says the news of the resolution is causing a lot of turmoil in Serbia as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

The lengthy process of joining the European Union has begun in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The president of the Platform for Progress, Mirsad Hadźikadić, says the preliminary negotiations, as they are called, have begun to start of process of what needs to be done in order to be accepted. A process that he says could take years. 

As the messaging from the Platform for Progress president, Mirsad Hadźikadić continues to take on a much more direct and critical tone, the exposure from the national media is on the upswing. In the last ten days, Hadzikadić has again been interviewed on national TV. When we recently spoke, he shared his insights as to why the newfound interest by the media, after struggling so long to be taken seriously. 

Over the past several weeks the Platform for Progress has been receiving much more national media coverage than in the past. A welcome sign as the Platform has undergone some substantial restructuring since the very poor showing during the 2022 general election. I recently spoke with Platform president, Mirsad Hadźikadić, about the reasoning behind the new interest by the media and the upcoming local elections this Fall.

The past week marked visits from diplomats from the Europen Union and NATO, as well as the Assistant Secretary of State of Europe and Eurasian Affairs, Jame O'Brien. The president of the Platform for Progress, Mirsad Hadźikadić, said he was pleasantly surprised by the comments of O'Brien, as he was very direct and forthcoming with his assessment of the ongoing situation in the country. 

The Platform for Progress is involved with ongoing discussion regarding the formation of a coalition in Republika Srpska. The president of the Platform, Mirsad Hadźikadić, says forming a coalition with like minded individuals and other parties, will help to strengthen the presence of the Platform there. We recently spoke about the process, and the pros and cons of such an endeavor.

The president of the Platform for Progress, Mirsad Hadźikadić, recently shared, “just when you think things have gotten as bad and they can, they continue to get worse.” Such is the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina as the country prepares for the local election in October of this year. During our recent conversation, Hadźikadić, expressed dismay and concern , as the search for answers and solutions becomes more difficult each passing day.

The candidates have been chosen and elections have been scheduled to replace members of the Platform For Progress' Presidential Governing Board who are stepping down for personal reason. This, as the Platform is ramping up its focus on the upcoming local elections in October of this year. I recently spoke with the president of the Platform, Mirsad Hadžikadić, about the soon to be elected governing board members, and the state of the Platform as we head into the new year.

With the local elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina less than one year away, the Platform for Progress continues to evaluate and make internal changes to strengthen its position in preparation for the election. Platform president, Mirsad Hadžikadić, said this has include organizing a new congress for the party. When we recently spoke, Hadžikadić explained the reasoning behind the move.

On November 18, 2023, the Platform for Progress celebrated it's 5th anniversary. It was a time to reflect, celebrate, and look to the future. The president of the Platform, Mirsad Hadžikadić, recently spoke with me about the day, his message to the gathering, and his personal reflections of what the day means to him.

November 18th marked the fifth anniversary of the formation of the platform for progress. During a recent conversation with the president of the Platform, Mirsad Hadžikadić, he shared with me his thoughts about what has been accomplished over the past five years and what needs to be done moving forward, to make the Platform a viable alternative in future elections. 

On November 18, 2018, the Platform for Progress was officially formed. During a recent conversation, the president of the Platform, Mirsad Hadžikadić, spoke about the challenges that still lie ahead as the organization continues the rebuilding process in preparations for the upcoming local elections in 2024. 

  The Platform for Progress continues its ongoing efforts to become stronger, as it prepares for the local elections which are just one year away. In my recent conversation with the president of the Platform, Mirsad Hadžikadić, he spoke of the ongoing search for the right people to lead the local organizations that have been established throughout the country. As he emphasized, finding that right fit of individuals, who are committed to the goals and vision of the Platform, is crucial for the success of the party.

The president of the Platform for Progress, Mirsad Hadžikadić, has asked the members of the Platform's Presidential Governing Board to reevaluate the state of the party. In doing so he has asked each to come up with one specific goal that he or she would like to accomplish by the end of the year. In doing so Hadžikadić hopes to reenergize the board and the party as they are now one year away from the local elections.

  “Just when you thought things could not get any worse, they have.” Such are the words of the president of the Platform for Progress, Mirsad Hadžikadić as he described the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. From the ruling coalition party and its own internal discord to the international community encouraging the nationalist parties privatize nationally run corporations such as public utilities. A very troubling scenario to say the least in the eyes of Hadžikadić.

The Platform for Progress continues to make positive strides in establishing the party in Tuzla. Platform president, Mirsad Hadžkadić, says they now have a very good person in the leadership position there, who is very proactive and taken charge of the organizational efforts there. In the meantime the Platform is faced with a series decisions with regard to the upcoming recall election involving the current mayor of Old Town Sarajevo. Should the party declare a candidate for the recall election when in fact the location elections are just a year away?

As the political discord and divisiveness continues to mount in Bosnia and Herzegovina there is growing concern around the future of the country. The president of the Platform for Progress, Mirsad Hadžikadić, recently spoke with me about his growing concerns about the state of the country and the unfortunate reality of where it seems headed.

In yet another attempt to bring about a show of unity in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Platform for Progress recently opened an office in Banja Luka, which is located in Republika Srpska. Located in the northeastern part of the country, Republika Srpska, and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina are the two entities that make up Bosnia and Herzegovina. I recently spoke with the president of the Platform, Mirsad Hadžkadić, about the significance of opening the office in Republika of Srpska, even though the leadership there is making bold efforts to secede from the country. Hadžikadić also addressed the ongoing strife within the country that continues to rear its ugly head. 

2023 marked the fifth time that the president of the Platform for Progress, Mirsad Hadžikadić, has participated in the annual March of Peace. A three day event in which participants from around the world gather and march in honor of those who were massacred during the 1995 Srebrenica genocide. Over the course of those three days they traverses the same rugged mountainous trails where over 8,000 men and boys were slaughtered trying to escape the Serbian troops. During our recent conversation, Hadžikadić, said this years march touched his heart and psyche more than any other.

As the process of reorganizing the Platform for Progress continues, the president, Mirsad Hadžikazdić, took a moment to reflect on the last few months. During our recent conversation, he spoke about what has and has not been working, and what needs to be done to keep on track as sites are now set on the local elections in 2024.

  The summer months would typically be a slower period for the Platform for Progress. But such is not the case this year as different organizations within the party are working diligently to make improvements following the restructuring of the Platform earlier this year. One particular focus area is Republika Srpska. During our recent conversation, the president of the Platform, Mirsad Hadzikadić, explained the importance of becoming more established there despite the obstacles that lie ahead of them.

The work continues following the reorganization of the Platform for Progress, which means more travel for Platform for Progress president Mirsad Hadžikadić. During a recent conversation, Hadžikadić, shared that he has been visiting local organizers across the country to assure the process is moving along as smoothly as possible. Hadžikadić also confirmed that his non-profit institute developed to improve society through digital technology has been formally approved. 

  The president of the Platform for Progress, Mirsad Hadžikazdić, is very concerned about the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the challenges the Platform faces moving forward. We recently discussed the current political climate, and how it must be addressed and at the same time solidify the support within the party.

The president of the Platform for Progress, Mirsad Hadžikazdić, wants the newly elected members of the presidential committee to continually monitor and discuss the current political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Hazdžikadić admits that they have failed to do this in the past and wants this to now be a top priority. He says members should always be thinking about it and what stance the party should take regarding the country's ongoing political strife.

For the second time in as many weeks, the president of the Platform for Progress, Mirsad Hadžikadić, appeared on national TV in Bosnia and Herzegovina. And once again he was asked to address the current state of affairs in the country and his stance on some of the political strife that continues.

The president of the Platform for Progress, Mirsad Hadžikadić, continues his push, through recorded video messages, to address the ongoing strife in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This marks his first real public efforts since the general election on November of 2022, which was followed by the restricting of the Platform.  During our recent conversation Hadžikadić expressed confidence that his message is with some who are very concerned about the current state of affairs. 

Social media has been a good friend to the Platform For Progressive when getting its message out to the public. Now is no different as the president of the Platform, Mirsad Hadžikadić, has begun posting a series of recorded video messages, where he addresses many of the serious issues facing Bosnia and Herzegovina following the general elections in November of 2022. We recently spoke of this renewed social media push in lieu of the lack of exposure through the national media outlets.

For the first time since the general elections in November of 2022, the president of the Platform for Progress, Mirsad Hadžikadić, was interviewed on national TV in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Hadžikadić took the opportunity to explain his lengthy hiatus, the restructuring of the Platform for Progress, and address the issues that continue to cause strife within the country.

Following a very lengthy process the congress of the Platform for Congress has unanimously approved a set of new bylaws which will set the course for the future. It is all part of the restructuring process which came about following the very disappointing results during the general election in November of 2022. In my recent conversation with the president of the Platform, Mirsad Hadžikadić, he spoke about the process and what it means moving forward in preparation for the local elections in the Fall of 2024.

Following a lengthy review process of the newly proposed bylaws for the Platform for Progress, delegates will finally have their opportunity to ratify or oppose the proposed changes on March 18th. During our recent conversation the president of the Platform, Mirsad Hadžikadić, spoke about the lengthy process and exactly what will be happening during the March 18th meeting of the Congress. This will all set the trajectory of the Platform as the strategizing for the local elections in 2024 begins.

The statutory committee of the Platform for Progress continues it review of the recommended changes to the first draft of the proposed new bylaws. In my recent conversation with the president of the Platform for Progress, Mirsad Hadžikadić, he shared more about the process and how it is unique and not the norm for other parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The recommended changes to the bylaws of the Platform for Progress remain under review following a series of recommendations. Once approved by the executive committee they will go before the delegates in another session of the Congress this Spring for a final vote. I spoke with the president of the Platform, Mirsad Hadzikadić, about the process and the current state of affairs in the Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The disappointing results of the 2022 general elections forced the members of the Platform of Progress to take a long hard look at their internal processes and carve out a new road moving forward. Part of that involved a change to the current bylaws, which were recently introduced at the meeting of the Congress. The president of the Platform for Progress, Mirsad Hadžikadić, spoke with me about what the changes would entail if approved and why they are so important to the future of the Platform.

The Congress for the Platform for Progress met on December 15th to outline the party's future. In the past, it has taken on the form of a celebration. However this year, it was all business following the disappointing results of the general election. I recently spoke with Mirsad Hadžikadić, who will remain as the president of the party, about the changes being discussed and the plans for implementation.

When the congress for the Platform for Progress is held in December, members will have many decisions to make. This as a result of the ongoing restructuring of the Platform for Progress. During our recent conversation the president of the Platform, Mirsad Hadžidić, spoke about what is being proposed and the next steps moving forward.

Following the disappointing results of the October general elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Platform for Progress has taken a long hard look at its organizational structure. As a result, it has areas where change is imperative in order to right the ship moving forward to the local elections in 2024. During my recent conversation with the president of the Platform, Mirsad Hadžikadić, we spoke about what these changes entail and what to expect from the upcoming annual congress scheduled for December.

A winner has yet to be declared following the presidential elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina on October 2nd. Though there seems to be no question as to who the eventual winners will be, the results are not final. In the meantime the Platform for Progress continues to reassess its disappointing showing and has begun the process of restricting the party. . I recently spoke with the president of the Platform for Progress Mirsad Hadžikadić about the current strategies for moving forward and preparing for the local elections in 2024.

It's been nearly two weeks since the general elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina. There have been allegations of widespread fraud throughout the country, ballots are being recounted, and the winners have yet to be declared. For Mirsad Hadžikadić, the final results will in no way impact the outcome for him. So it is now a time for the Platform for Progress to take a hard long look at the results, reevaluate the campaign, and determine what changes are needed moving forward. Hadžikadić shared with me what is currently being done to try and set the future course for the Platform and The Country coalition.