[CLSTR]
< Back to situations

Monitor this situation.

[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [CULTURE]

3 clusters · 6 sources · 35 days · First seen · Last updated

Bosnia Islamic Community leader selection

Overview

In mid‑July 2026, the Islamic Community of Bosnia and Herzegovina began its formal nomination process for a new reisu‑l‑ulema. The Mostar Muftijstvo nominated Mufti Dr. Salem ef. Dedović, citing his religious qualities and role in inter‑faith dialogue. In the Tuzla electoral district, the body initially proposed Mufti Dr. Vahid ef. Fazlović, who declined the candidacy, stating, “I cannot accept the candidacy for reisu‑l‑ulema… the demanding role should be taken by younger scholars.”

By late July, the Tuzla Electoral Body recorded new candidates: Dr. Nedžad Grabus, mufti of Sarajevo, and Dr. Mensur Malkić, director of the Religious Affairs Office of the Rijaset. Simultaneously, the Ljubljana electoral unit unanimously nominated Prof. Dr. Nedžad Grabus as its sole candidate. Dr. Grabus is noted for his previous service as the Mufti of Ljubljana and President of the Islamic Community in Slovenia.

As of August 2026, the election is set for October 10, marking the conclusion of Husein ef. Kavazović’s 14-year leadership. Because Kavazović has completed two consecutive seven-year mandates, he is ineligible for re-election. The three primary candidates identified are Sarajevo Mufti Nedžad ef. Grabus, Mostar Mufti Salem ef. Dedović, and Mensur ef. Malkić.

Supporters of Dedović’s candidacy emphasize that it reflects the needs of Muslims in Herzegovina, specifically regarding the status of Bosniaks and the management of waqf property. The Assembly of the Islamic Community is scheduled to meet on 5 September 2026 to confirm the final list of candidates.

Entities

Samir Kerić · Mensur-ef. Malkić · Prof. Dr. Nedžad Grabus · Dr. Nevzet Porić · Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Timeline

  1. 11 days ago

    [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina to elect new Reisul-ulema

    The Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina will elect a new Reisul-ulema on October 10. Candidates Nedžad ef. Grabus, Salem ef. Dedović, and Mensur ef. Malkić are competing to succeed Husein ef. Kavazović.

  2. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Bosnia and Herzegovina Islamic Community Names Candidates for Reis‑ul‑Ulema

    Electoral bodies in Tuzla (Bosnia) and Ljubljana (Slovenia) have recorded candidates, chiefly Sarajevo mufti Dr. Nedžad Grabus, for the upcoming Reis‑ul‑Ulema election of the Islamic Community of Bosnia and Her

  3. about 2 months ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Bosnia and Herzegovina Islamic Community receives candidate nominations for reisu‑l‑ulema

    Bosnia’s Islamic Community sees nominations for its top post: Mostar muftijstvo backs Dr. Salem Dedović, while Tuzla mufti Vahid Fazlović declines a candidacy, citing age concerns.

Sources

072info.com · 24sata.info · medzlismostar.ba · novasloboda.ba · slovenskenovice.si · vijesti.ba

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history