Newsroom
Montenegrin municipal elections generally in line with international standards
PODGORICA 16 May 2002
Podgorica, 16 May 2002 - Yesterday's municipal elections in Montenegro, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, generally were conducted in accordance with OSCE commitments for democratic elections and Council of Europe standards, the International Election Observation Mission concluded in a statement today.
"The elections built upon the progress we noted during the early 2000 municipal elections and last year's parliamentary elections, but some shortcomings still remain", said Nikolai Vulchanov, Head of the Election Observation Mission of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).
"The voting and counting yesterday were largely in accordance with the legal requirements and carried out in a calm atmosphere. However the secrecy of voting could improve", said Tomas Jirsa, Head of the Delegation of the Council of Europe's Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe (CLRAE).
The international observers noted that voters were able to choose between a wide range of political parties and coalitions, including parties representing national minorities. Broad access to information was provided through both the electronic and print media, including a TV channel devoted exclusively to the election campaign. The accuracy and transparency of voter registers was further improved, and political parties were well represented on election commissions at all levels. Domestic observers monitored the voting and counting procedures effectively.
While noting the strengths of the electoral framework, the international monitors also observed some shortcomings. The control of election mandates by political parties and coalitions remains a key concern, as this practice in effect prevents voters from knowing which candidates they are electing. There were isolated incidents of violence. The blurring of State and political party functions caused concern as well. The passive role assumed by the Republic Election Commission resulted in a lack of uniformity in the administration of the elections. All media in general were biased and the print media violated the campaign silence period.
Mission Information: The International Election Observation Mission is a joint undertaking by the OSCE/ODIHR and the CLRAE. The OSCE/ODIHR long-term observation mission was established in mid-April and comprises of 18 election experts and long-term observers. For election day, the International Election Observation Mission deployed 114 short-term observers, including nine from the CLRAE. The two bodies will issue comprehensive reports on these elections shortly after the completion of the electoral process.
"The elections built upon the progress we noted during the early 2000 municipal elections and last year's parliamentary elections, but some shortcomings still remain", said Nikolai Vulchanov, Head of the Election Observation Mission of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).
"The voting and counting yesterday were largely in accordance with the legal requirements and carried out in a calm atmosphere. However the secrecy of voting could improve", said Tomas Jirsa, Head of the Delegation of the Council of Europe's Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe (CLRAE).
The international observers noted that voters were able to choose between a wide range of political parties and coalitions, including parties representing national minorities. Broad access to information was provided through both the electronic and print media, including a TV channel devoted exclusively to the election campaign. The accuracy and transparency of voter registers was further improved, and political parties were well represented on election commissions at all levels. Domestic observers monitored the voting and counting procedures effectively.
While noting the strengths of the electoral framework, the international monitors also observed some shortcomings. The control of election mandates by political parties and coalitions remains a key concern, as this practice in effect prevents voters from knowing which candidates they are electing. There were isolated incidents of violence. The blurring of State and political party functions caused concern as well. The passive role assumed by the Republic Election Commission resulted in a lack of uniformity in the administration of the elections. All media in general were biased and the print media violated the campaign silence period.
Mission Information: The International Election Observation Mission is a joint undertaking by the OSCE/ODIHR and the CLRAE. The OSCE/ODIHR long-term observation mission was established in mid-April and comprises of 18 election experts and long-term observers. For election day, the International Election Observation Mission deployed 114 short-term observers, including nine from the CLRAE. The two bodies will issue comprehensive reports on these elections shortly after the completion of the electoral process.