ODIHR experts visit Montenegro for first consultations under Western Balkans election support project

A team of experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) was in Montenegro from 4 to 6 October 2017 for the first consultation and planning visit within the framework of the ODIHR project “Support to Elections in the Western Balkans”.

The ODIHR team met with senior officials from the Ministries of Foreign and Internal Affairs and the State Election Commission, as well as with representatives of the public broadcaster, media regulatory bodies, civil society organizations and the international community, including the delegation of the European Union. The visit was organized with the support of OSCE Mission to Montenegro.

In-depth consultations were held with key stakeholders regarding electoral reform needs, to identify main actors and their roles and responsibilities and encourage an open and consultative process. The experts also noted the current political challenges, including the opposition’s boycott of the work of the parliament elected in 2016 and call for early elections.

“As part of this project, and in general, ODIHR stands ready to offer continued support to Montenegro in the process of improving its electoral legal framework and practices, taking into consideration ODIHR recommendations,” said Alexander Shlyk, Head of the ODIHR Elections Department. “The electoral reform process should be inclusive of representatives from a broad range of political parties, the election administration, civil society and other relevant stakeholders, so as to foster confidence in the election process.”

Following the visit and based on open consultations with electoral stakeholders and international electoral assistance providers, the experts will identify needs for electoral assistance and develop a strategic plan to ensure that the project’s activities complement, rather than duplicate, those of other electoral assistance providers. 

This was the first of six visits – one to each of the six beneficiaries of the project – to be carried out during the first phase of the three-year project. The project is funded by the European Union and the Austrian Development Agency.

All OSCE participating States have committed themselves to promptly following up on ODIHR election assessments and recommendations. ODIHR has consistently supported the effective follow-up of recommendations, and the project “Support to Elections in the Western Balkans” builds upon this support. The 2016 Handbook on the Follow-up of Electoral Recommendations outlines ODIHR’s approach in this important area.