OSCE elections body deploys observation mission to Montenegro

WARSAW/PODGORICA, 28 February 2008 - The OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is deploying an election observation mission for the 6 April presidential election in Montenegro, the country's first post-independence presidential election.

The deployment of the mission follows an invitation from the Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Montenegro and an ODIHR needs assessment mission in early February 2008.

The election will be the first for president since the country voted for independence in a referendum on 21 May 2006. It will be conducted under a new legislative framework, with the constitution passed in October 2007 and the law on the election of the president in December 2007.

The mission, headed by Julian Peel Yates, consists of 11 international experts based in Podgorica. In addition, 14 long-term observers will be deployed throughout the country from 7 March 2008.

"Our task is to assess the presidential election for its compliance with principles for democratic electoral processes", said Julian Peel Yates. "This includes commitments agreed to by all OSCE participating States, as well as national legislation."

Observers will closely monitor campaign activities, the work of the election administration and relevant governmental bodies, election-related legislation and its implementation, the media environment, and the resolution of election-related disputes.

The OSCE/ODIHR will request that 100 short-term observers be deployed immediately prior to the election. They will monitor the opening of polling stations, voting, counting of ballots, and the tabulation of results.

The OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission and the OSCE Mission to Montenegro operate separately under their specific mandates.