Verkiezingen Montenegro grotendeels in lijn met internationale standaarden, maar terugkomende uitdagingen blijven bestaan (en)
PODGORICA, 11 September 2006 - The parliamentary elections in Montenegro on 10 September were held largely in line with OSCE commitments and Council of Europe standards for democratic elections. However a number of reappearing challenges remain to be addressed, concluded the International Election Observation Mission in a statement in Podgorica today. Some 200 observers from 41 countries monitored the vote and the count.
“The people of the world’s newest country can be proud that their first elections since gaining independence meet international electoral standards. We look forward to working with our Montenegrin parliamentary colleagues and overcoming remaining challenges”, said João Soares, Head of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Delegation and Special Co-ordinator for the short-term observers, appointed by the OSCE Chairman-in-Office.
Jean-Charles Gardetto, Head of Delegation of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE), said: “These elections confirmed Montenegro’s commitment to democracy and the principles of the Council of Europe, which Montenegro hopes to join in the very near future. However, stable election law is a key aspect of a democratic process. The recent changes to the law, after the elections were called, are therefore regrettable.”
Jørgen Grunnet, who heads the long-term mission of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, reiterated the need to address remaining and more importantly, re-emerging challenges to an overall well administered elections. “This is simply a question of getting rid of bad habits”, he said.
The campaign was for the most part calm, orderly and low-key, but the campaign climate deteriorated during the last days. Opposition candidates complained of undue pressure on voters and candidates. Allegations of vote buying, of which one was substanciated, tainted the campaign environment. A diverse media covered the campaign thoroughly, but broadcasters, including public television, concentrated their coverage on the ruling parties.
The legal framework provides an adequate basis for the conduct of elections, but contrary to international standards and practice, the Election Law was amended after the elections were called. Some of the amendments include limitations on freedom of speech and expression. Furthermore, the mandate allocation is not fully transparent, as it only requires parties to allocate half of the seats according to the order of candidates on the electoral list.
Election day was assessed positively in 98 per cent of polling stations visited. Counting was assessed less positively, with 8 per cent characterized negatively, mainly due to procedural irregularities, indicating that further training of polling board members is needed.
For further information contact:
Urdur Gunnarsdottir, OSCE/ODIHR: +48 603 683 122, +381 67 323 853, urdur.gunnarsdottir@odihr.pl
Andreas Baker, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly: +45 6010 8030, andreas.baker@oscepa.dk
Bas Klein, Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe: +33 662 265 489, bas.klein@coe.int
Parliamentary Assembly Communication Unit
Tel: +33 3 88 41 31 93
Fax : +33 3 90 21 41 34
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