DPM Marković, Secretary-General Zannier: OSCE to observe upcoming parliamentary elections in Montenegro

Podgorica, Montenegro (12 July 2016) – Over the last 10 years, since the restoration of independence, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has been acknowledged as Montenegro's partner and witnessed democratic transformation of the society, and in the period ahead, it will support efforts towards ensuring fair elections, Deputy Prime Minister Duško Marković and OSCE Secretary-General Lamberto Zannier agreed at today’s meeting in Podgorica.

DPM Marković said that Montenegro has invested tremendous effort towards strengthening democratic capacities and ensuring economic prosperity of citizens. He thanked Mr Zannier for continuous and comprehensive assistance by the OSCE Mission in Podgorica in developing institutions, security, rule of law and the judiciary. In order to respond properly to security challenges in Montenegro and beyond, it is necessary to consider the overall social context in which they occur and create a common approach in taking action, he underlined

Speaking about the current political situation, the Deputy Prime Minister informed the OSCE Secretary-General about the functioning of the Government of Electoral Trust, saying that it is good and functional model for future action in Montenegro.

Mr Zannier said that the OSCE will continue to support democratic processes in Montenegro and respond positively to the request to observe the upcoming parliamentary elections. He said that the political crisis in Montenegro came to an end, and that the elections are a new beginning for everyone.

The meeting also discussed the issue of freedom of the media and their financial sustainability. Progress has been made, the two officials stated, but futher actions need to be undertaken to improve the situation in this area. Both sides agreed that Montenegro needs to make efforts towards encouraging journalists to fully apply professional standards and the Code of Ethics in their daily work.