The Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina () is a three-member body that collectively serves as the head of state of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Under Article V of the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, defined by the Dayton Agreement in 1995, it consists of one Bosniak and one Croat member directly elected from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and one Serb member directly elected from Republika Srpska.
Members of the presidency serve a four-year term and may hold office for a maximum of two consecutive terms, although there is no overall lifetime limit.
While the presidency acts collectively as the head of state, one member serves as chairperson at a time. The chairmanship rotates among the three members every eight months, beginning with the member who received the highest number of votes in the election.
Current members Since the 2022 general election, the members of the Presidency are: Member Portrait Took office Party Representing Chair terms Denis Bećirović 16 November 2022 Bosniaks 16 March 2024 – 16 November 2024 16 March 2026 – present Željka Cvijanović 16 November 2022 SNSD Serbs 16 November 2022 – 16 July 2023 16 November 2024 – 16 July 2025 Željko Komšić 20 November 2018 DF Croats 16 July 2023 – 16 March 2024 16 July 2025 – 16 March 2026
Powers and duties
The Presidency is responsible for conducting the foreign policy of Bosnia and Herzegovina and representing the country in international relations. Its powers include appointing ambassadors and other international representatives, representing the state in European and international organizations, and seeking membership in organizations of which the country is not a member. The presidency also negotiates, denounces, and, subject to the consent of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, ratifies international treaties.
The presidency executes decisions of the Parliamentary Assembly and proposes the annual state budget to the assembly upon the recommendation of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is also required to report to the Parliamentary Assembly, at least annually, on its expenditures and may coordinate with international and non-governmental organizations operating in the country. In addition, the presidency performs other duties assigned by the Parliamentary Assembly or agreed upon by the country’s entities.
The presidency nominates the Chair of the Council of Ministers, who assumes office after approval by the House of Representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Each member of the presidency also exercises civilian command authority over the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina by virtue of their office.
List of members TermElection MembersPartyEthnicity 1 1996SDABosniakMomčilo Krajišnik SDSSerbKrešimir Zubak Croat2 1998Alija Izetbegović SDABosniakBeriz Belkić SBiHŽivko RadišićSPSerbAnte Jelavić HDZ BiHCroatJozo Križanović SDP BiH3 2002Sulejman TihićSDABosniakMirko Šarović SDSSerbBorislav Paravac Dragan Čović HDZ BiHCroatIvo Miro Jović 4 2006Haris Silajdžić SBiHBosniakNebojša RadmanovićSNSDSerbŽeljko KomšićSDP BiHCroat5 2010Bakir IzetbegovićSDABosniakNebojša RadmanovićSNSDSerbŽeljko KomšićCroatDF 6 2014Bakir IzetbegovićSDABosniakMladen IvanićPDPSerbDragan ČovićHDZ BiHCroat7 2018Šefik DžaferovićSDABosniakMilorad DodikSNSDSerbŽeljko KomšićDFCroat8 2022Denis BećirovićSDP BiHBosniakŽeljka CvijanovićSNSDSerbŽeljko KomšićDFCroat
See also Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina List of members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina List of members of the Presidency by time in office Triumvirate
References
Notes
External links Website of the Presidency Article V of the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina Holding Bosnian presidents accountable, ISN Security Watch, 21 December 2006