Presidential Election, 11 May 2003
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Mission at a glance
- Head of Mission: Paul O'Grady (UK);
- 19 international experts
- 50 short-term observers
Following an invitation from the President of the National Assembly, ODIHR established an election observation mission to monitor the 22 December 2002 presidential election. The election failed to fulfil a 50 per cent voter turnout requirement and a repeat election was held on 9 February 2003. This election also failed to meet the turnout requirement. On 10 April, ODIHR established a new mission, the eighth since 1997.
Paul O’Grady of the United Kingdom was appointed head of the mission, which included 17 election experts and long-term observers. In addition, the mission deployed 57 short-term observers to follow proceedings on election day.
According to the mission's final report: "The 11 May 2003 presidential election in Montenegro was conducted generally in accordance with OSCE commitments for democratic elections and international standards. The new presidential election law, adopted in February 2003, removed the 50 per cent voter turnout requirement which had created a potential for an endless cycle of elections and previously had led to two failed elections, and on 11 May, Montenegro succeeded in electing a president. However, once again the major opposition coalition did not contest the election. Unlike in December 2002 and in February 2003, the coalition did not 'boycott' the contest, but its failure to nominate a candidate narrowed voters’ choice and influenced the campaign."
Long-term observation
The mission, headed by Paul O'Grady (United Kingdom), consists of 18 international election experts from 13 OSCE participating States. In addition to a head office in Podgorica, experts have been deployed to major towns in Montenegro.
Before, during and after election day, the mission will assess the entire electoral process against national legislation and international standards for democratic elections agreed to by all OSCE participating States.
Observers closely monitor the election campaign, including the media, political-party and candidate activities, administrative preparations and the resolution of election-related disputes.
Election day
ODIHR plans to deploy some 50 short-term observers shortly before election day. The short-term observers will be deployed in teams of two across the republic to monitor the opening of polling stations, the voting, the counting of ballots and the tabulation of results at all levels.
The day after the election, the mission will issue a statement of preliminary findings and conclusions. A comprehensive final report will be released about a month after the completion of the election process.
Previous elections
ODIHR has observed a number of elections in Montenegro, including the 22 December 2002 presidential election and the 9 February 2003 repeat presidential election, which both failed due to insufficient voter turnout.