Siniša Karan wins presidential vote in Bosnia's Serb region

A separatist candidate, Karan, won the presidential election in Bosnia's Serb Republic, securing 50.89% of the vote against opposition candidate Branko Blanusa, who received 47.81%.

Turnout was low at 35.78%. This election followed the ban of former president Milorad Dodik from politics for six years. Karan, the current minister of scientific and technological development, vowed to continue Dodik's policies "with ever greater force."

The opposition, led by the Serb Democratic Party, plans to appeal the results, citing irregularities. The presidential term is short, lasting under a year before a general election in October.

Dodik's conviction for defying the constitutional court has sparked political turmoil in Bosnia.