Newsroom
International observers positively assess elections in Montenegro
PODGORICA 21 October 2002
PODGORICA, 21 October 2002 - Yesterday's parliamentary elections in Montenegro were conducted generally in accordance with international standards, concluded the International Election Observation Mission in a statement issued today. However, the international observers also noted that several shortcomings in the legal framework remain and that new challenges raised additional concerns.
"While our overall assessment of the electoral process is positive, we are concerned about the deepening of the political divide that became apparent during the debate about changes to the election legislation this summer", said Nikolai Vulchanov, the head of the Observation Mission deployed by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).
He referred to the controversy surrounding the unilateral adoption by the new parliamentary majority of several highly contentious amendments to the election and media laws in July after the announcements of the elections. The amendments, which threatened to plunge the entire election process into chaos, were later repealed following discussions with all parliamentary parties facilitated by the international community.
"We also call on the parliament to urgently change provisions allowing political parties to control electoral mandates. Such provisions are undemocratic and against international standards", Mr. Vulchanov added.
"We commend the authorities for the effective conduct of this election", said Rein Voog, the head of the delegation of the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly. "It is important now that the parliament addresses the remaining shortcomings in the legislative framework without delay."
The international observers noted that the elections were marked by broad participation of political parties and coalitions, a generally calm campaign and adequate representation by political parties on election commissions at all levels. While state media coverage of the campaign was more balanced than in previous elections, private media largely failed to provide unbiased reporting. Election day passed peacefully and without major incidents.
"While our overall assessment of the electoral process is positive, we are concerned about the deepening of the political divide that became apparent during the debate about changes to the election legislation this summer", said Nikolai Vulchanov, the head of the Observation Mission deployed by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).
He referred to the controversy surrounding the unilateral adoption by the new parliamentary majority of several highly contentious amendments to the election and media laws in July after the announcements of the elections. The amendments, which threatened to plunge the entire election process into chaos, were later repealed following discussions with all parliamentary parties facilitated by the international community.
"We also call on the parliament to urgently change provisions allowing political parties to control electoral mandates. Such provisions are undemocratic and against international standards", Mr. Vulchanov added.
"We commend the authorities for the effective conduct of this election", said Rein Voog, the head of the delegation of the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly. "It is important now that the parliament addresses the remaining shortcomings in the legislative framework without delay."
The international observers noted that the elections were marked by broad participation of political parties and coalitions, a generally calm campaign and adequate representation by political parties on election commissions at all levels. While state media coverage of the campaign was more balanced than in previous elections, private media largely failed to provide unbiased reporting. Election day passed peacefully and without major incidents.