Skip to content
BiH Atlas
Government · institutionDom naroda

House of Peoples

The upper chamber of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, designed to protect the interests of the three constituent ethnic groups.

Composition

  • •15 delegates total
  • •5 Bosniak delegates (representing FBiH)
  • •5 Croat delegates (representing FBiH)
  • •5 Serb delegates (representing RS)

Powers

  • •Co-equal power with the House of Representatives to approve state-level legislation (laws must pass BOTH houses).
  • •Approval of international treaties.
  • •Deliberation on decisions affecting the Vital National Interest of any constituent people.

How members are chosen

Indirect election for a 4-year term. Bosniak and Croat delegates are elected by the respective caucuses of the Federation of BiH House of Peoples. Serb delegates are elected by the National Assembly of Republika Srpska.

Veto and blocking mechanics
Vital National Interest (VNI): A majority of Bosniak, Croat, or Serb delegates can declare a proposed law destructive to their vital interest. It then requires approval by a majority of each of the ethnic caucuses. If unresolved, it is referred to the Constitutional Court.
Sources and verification