SDA deputies in parliament's upper house on July 16 requested the protection of the vital national interest to prevent the replacement of their ministers, which was previously approved by the lower house.
The replacement of Defence Minister Muhamed Ibrahimovic, Security Minister Sadik Ahmetovic, and Deputy Finance Minister Fuad Kasumovic was proposed by Council of Ministers chairman Vjekoslav Bevanda because of the SDA's refusal to vote for a draft budget, which led to the break-up of a six-party ruling coalition.
The SDA claimed the replacement of its ministers would undermine the national balance in the Council of Ministers because the appointment of new ones could take months and the ministries would until then be run by deputy ministers who were not Bosniak.
Following today's ruling, the upper house has to discuss again the replacement of the SDA ministers and decide on Bevanda's proposal.
Constitutional Court registrar Zvonko Mijan told reporters the decision to replace the ministers would have to be supported by the majority of deputies in attendance who voted, including by at least one-third of the upper house members from each entity.
This discussion will not be held before local elections scheduled for October 7 because parliament will not sit during the campaign.
The situation is exacerbated by new conflicts between the main political parties, as those from the Serb entity have requested the replacement of Foreign Minister Zlatko Lagumdzija as well. This proposal could be discussed on September 6 but in order to pass, it would have to be supported by SDA deputies.
SDA president Sulejman Tihic has said the party is willing to vote for Lagumdzija's replacement, provided that the request for the replacement of its ministers is dismissed.