Political Calculations Delay Comprehensive Electoral Reforms

The push for comprehensive electoral reforms in Montenegro is stalling due to political maneuvering, according to Nikola Rakočević, a member of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) and co-chair of the parliamentary committee overseeing these changes. He emphasizes that rights for minorities, individuals with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups, along with direct mayoral elections and open party lists, should be prioritized.

Rakočević highlighted the importance of cleaning the voter registry but expressed skepticism about fruitful discussions with the current government. He stated, “Conversations about this issue with the current authorities are illusory,” suggesting that the government is part of a regional engineering scheme centralized in Belgrade, aimed at securing political support during elections.

The committee’s working groups are reportedly developing solutions, with hopes that significant progress can be made by the end of December 2023. Rakočević remains optimistic, stating that if there is political will, the essential aspects of the law can be addressed in a timely manner. He noted that while there is technically enough time to adopt changes to the electoral legislation, the main barrier remains the lack of political will among parties.

If a consensus cannot be reached, Rakočević indicated that the committee would seek an extension of its mandate. He asserted that the topic of electoral reform must remain a priority until all parties either accept the principles of full electoral democracy or present valid arguments against the proposed solutions.

Despite the challenges, Rakočević acknowledged that the government has accepted the most crucial aspect of electoral reform, and the first phase has been successfully completed, marking a significant step forward for Montenegro’s aspirations toward European Union membership. He emphasized that the second phase is equally critical, as reforms such as open lists and direct mayoral elections are not only EU requirements but also necessary for Montenegro’s self-recognition of democratic needs.

“These are steps that ensure full electoral democracy for citizens,” Rakočević declared. He reminded stakeholders that during the first phase of the process, essential resolutions were established to enhance electoral democracy. This includes stricter reporting requirements for political entities regarding campaign finances and the establishment of local elections on a single day.

New regulations also call for the formation of an independent and non-partisan Central Election Commission and require that at least 40% of candidates on electoral lists be women. Rakočević described these measures as pivotal to improving the electoral system.

He expressed confidence that there is enough time to finalize the discussions on open lists and direct mayoral elections by the end of the year, although he remains doubtful about the political will to execute these reforms. The DPS is committed to pushing for the implementation of open lists and direct elections for mayors, which would empower citizens to select candidates they believe will best represent them.

Rakočević further explained that the essence of democracy lies in allowing citizens to choose candidates directly from party lists, eliminating uncertainty about who will lead municipalities after elections. He remarked, “I cannot imagine an explanation that would justify rejecting these two reforms.”

Discussions within the committee’s working groups are already underway concerning these topics, and Rakočević anticipates that by the year’s end, public discourse will take place within the committee. When asked about the perceived lack of readiness within the ruling majority to conclude this process, he pointed to insufficient willingness among certain political parties to embrace open lists and direct elections during infrequent discussions about electoral reform, often held at civil sector conferences.

“It is quite clear that there is a lack of political will from certain parties to expose themselves to the citizens’ judgment through open lists,” he stated, emphasizing that this is a key segment of the reform process that lacks consensus. However, he remains hopeful that consensus can be achieved regarding the broader scope of electoral reform.

Rakočević does not view the step-by-step adoption of legal solutions as problematic but expects working groups to utilize the available timeframe to prepare final proposals diligently. He plans to invite these groups to present their drafts to the committee as soon as they are ready.

Additionally, he noted that the commission for selecting new members of the Central Election Commission has been formed, and he expects a public call for applications to be announced soon. The aim is to ensure that the CIK is filled with members of integrity, independence, and professional capability, contributing to a more robust electoral system in Montenegro.