Bosnia and Herzegovina has three presidents, one Bosniak, one Croat and one Serb, who serve together for four years and alternate as head of state. Other countries with collective presidencies include Switzerland and San Marino.
Although many countries have a president and a prime minister, Bosnia and Herzegovina has three presidents at the same time. The Bosnian and Herzegovinian presidency consists of three members, one Bosniak, one Croat and one Serb, and they serve together for four years. The presidents are all elected by direct popular vote, with the Bosnian and Croat presidents elected by the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Serbian president chosen by Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s other political entity. These three presidents alternate as president of the presidency in eight-month rotations, during which time the president serves the head of state. In addition to all presidents, both Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska also have a vice president and a prime minister.
More information on collective presidencies:
Some other countries are led collectively, including Switzerland, which has a seven-member federal council headed by a president, and San Marino, which has two captains regent who serve jointly.
The presidents of Bosnia and Herzegovina are eligible for a second term, but if they serve a second term, they become ineligible for four years.
Several ancient governments were also led by multiple heads of state, including the Roman Republic, which was headed by two consuls.
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