Head of Mission to Montenegro Waag meets Chair of the State Election Commission

On 29 November, Dominique Waag, Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, had a working meeting met with Nikola Mugoša, Chair of the State Election Commission.

They discussed joint activites planned for 2023 to support the Commission as it prepares for the upcoming electoral cycle, including how to support the Commission to strengthen the capacities of Municipal Election Commissions to train pollworkers, to prepare guidance to police and voter education campaigns, and to address abuse or intimidation towards the electors or candidates, especially women and people with disabilities. The Mission will work with the Commission and the Municipal Election Commissions to ensure that elections are accessible to all, and will conduct a new public opinion research to measure public confidence in electoral processes.

Ambassador Waag said: “The Mission is committed to working with the State Election Commission in administering free and fair elections and promoting the democractic process in line with OSCE commitments and principles,” adding that respect for the rule of law should be paramount to all actors involved in elections.

She stressed that strong partnership developed with the State Election Commission, adding that Nikola Mugoša, as Chair of the Commission, enjoys the support of the Mission.

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro highlights the importance to address all outstanding ODIHR recommendations, especially in regard to electoral administration and protection of voters’ rights.