Public confidence in electoral process could be strengthened, OSCE/ODIHR final report on Montenegro’s April 2013 presidential polls concludes

Montenegro’s presidential election on 7 April 2013 was professionally and efficiently administered but further steps are required to increase public confidence in the electoral process, concludes the final report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

The report, released on 25 June 2013, notes that, while authorities have made significant efforts to implement necessary changes to the voter registers, more efforts are needed to improve their accuracy. It recommends that the authorities conduct an audit of the voter registers, including a detailed comparison of entries in the voter registers and the information held by the Ministry of Interior. The measures taken to ensure the accuracy of voter registers could be highlighted by the relevant authorities in a thorough information campaign for political parties and citizens.

The report also recommends that the 24-month residency requirement for voting eligibility be eliminated because it is excessive and contrary to international good practice.

To ensure a transparent and open campaign environment, authorities are encouraged to undertake greater initiatives to properly investigate allegations of the misuse of state resources, the intimidation of employees and vote buying, and to take appropriate actions should any violations be proven.

The report adds that the deadlines for the submission and adjudication of complaints should be revised to allow effective legal remedy. The Constitutional Court could improve transparency by holding public hearings.

Amendments to electoral legislation are also recommended to include specific provisions that clearly address the role of the media during a presidential campaign and the establishment of an independent authority to oversee media conduct during the elections.