OSCE/ODIHR presents recommendations from final report on parliamentary elections in Montenegro

A team of experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) visited Podgorica from 29 May to 1 June 2017 to present the final report of the ODIHR election observation mission (EOM) for the 16 October 2016 parliamentary elections in Montenegro.

The report’s findings and recommendations were discussed with representatives of state authorities and the election administration, as well as political parties, civil society and the international community. The discussion also focused on potential areas for further co-operation and specific steps that can be undertaken by various stakeholders to bring election legislation and practices in closer conformity with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards.

The report recommends, in particular, undertaking an inclusive process of comprehensive electoral reform to harmonize election legislation. The ODIHR team also drew attention to recommendations on reviewing the residency and legal-competence requirements for voting and on introducing internal measures in political parties to promote women to senior positions. A review of the election appeals system to guarantee an effective and timely remedy for all complaints, as well as the submission by electoral contestants of interim reports on campaign expenditures prior to election day, were among other recommendations discussed.

"We appreciate the willingness of our interlocutors to promote an inclusive reform to further improve the electoral legislation and process,” said Roman Jakič, Head of the EOM. “ODIHR remains committed to actively supporting such efforts.”

All OSCE participating States have committed themselves to promptly follow up on ODIHR election assessments and recommendations.