In February 1992, Bosnia and Herzegovina underwent a crucial political referendum concerning its independence from the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The referendum was initiated amid a growing sentiment among Bosnian citizens for self-determination, especially following the disintegration of Yugoslavia, where several republics had already declared independence. As ethnic tensions escalated, various political factions argued for the right to self-govern and establish a sovereign state. The Bosnian Parliament, led by key political figures, scheduled the referendum and mobilized the electorate, which largely consisted of Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs, each with differing views on national identity and statehood.In the lead-up to the vote, there were considerable difficulties including political strife and social unrest. The prevailing atmosphere of uncertainty was compounded by the refusal of Bosnian Serbs to participate in the referendum, as they sought to remain part of a Serb-dominated Yugoslavia. Despite the opposition, the referendum saw a significant turnout. The results overwhelmingly favored independence, with approximately 99% voting in favor. This decisive outcome paved the way for Bosnia and Herzegovina to declare independence shortly thereafter, though it also set the stage for a violent conflict, as various ethnic groups contended for power and territory in the new state.The consequences of the referendum extended far beyond the immediate political landscape, signaling the fragmentation of the former Yugoslavia and the beginning of a brutal conflict known as the Bosnian War. This period was marked by ethnic cleansing, war crimes, and a severe humanitarian crisis, underscoring the challenges of nation-building in a multi-ethnic society. The events surrounding the referendum remain a focal point in understanding the complexities and consequences of nationalism in the Balkans during the 1990s.