Electoral process in Montenegro notably improved, OSCE/ODIHR Mission says

Podgorica, Montenegro (7 February 2013) – The recent parliamentary elections were held in a peaceful and democratic atmosphere, with full respect for fundamental rights and implementation of OSCE and Council of Europe’s standards. Compared to the previous period, the quality of the entire electoral process has been notably improved, Ambassador Geert-Hinrich Ahrens, Head of the Limited OSCE/ODIHR Observatory Mission, said at the meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Duško Marković on Wednesday.

Discussing the ODIHR’s report on recent parliamentary elections in Montenegro, the two officials in particular addressed the report’s recommendations concerning the strengthening of public confidence in the regularity of the election process and the importance of citizens being timely informed about their rights and obligations in the process.

The two officials pointed out that media and citizens play a significant role in the entirely election process, adding that their role needs to be advanced.

DPM Marković thanked the ODIHR/OSCE for their constructive and reliable role in these important processes for pursuing democratic reforms in the Montenegrin society. He said that Montenegro’s electoral legislation has been harmonised with all modern European standards and recommendations, stressing that there is room for its efficient implementation and further training of bodies responsible for implementing the electoral process.

DPM underlined that the report is encouraging and provides guidelines for further development of democracy, rule of law and other European standards. He added that all the recommendations and suggestions from the report will be carefully considered and implemented.