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Press release
International observers call for removal of laws allowing endless repeat elections in Montenegro
- Date:
- Place:
- PODGORICA
- Source:
- OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, OSCE Mission to Serbia
- Fields of work:
- Elections
PODGORICA, 23 December 2002 - Following yesterday's failed presidential election in Montenegro, international observers from the OSCE and the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly today called for the removal of provisions in the Republic's legislation allowing for endless repetition of unsuccessful elections.
"The possibility of repeating elections infinitely invites boycotts and carries the risk of protracted political instability", said Nikolai Vulchanov, Head of the long-term Election Observation Mission dispatched by the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). "The legislation should ensure that electoral processes are concluded within a reasonable timeframe."
"We are very concerned that the deep political polarization, which again became apparent during this election, may seriously endanger the continuation of Montenegro's reform process", added Andreas Gross, the Head of the delegation of the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly.
In a post-election statement, the international observers noted that the elections were conducted largely in line with international standards. However, the observer mission criticized the fact that the decision by major opposition parties to boycott the elections deprived voters of a genuine choice and undermined the democratic process.
In order to avoid further repetitions of yesterday's failed election, the mission recommended the removal of provisions allowing for repeat elections or abolishing the requirement for 50 per cent turnout.
"The possibility of repeating elections infinitely invites boycotts and carries the risk of protracted political instability", said Nikolai Vulchanov, Head of the long-term Election Observation Mission dispatched by the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). "The legislation should ensure that electoral processes are concluded within a reasonable timeframe."
"We are very concerned that the deep political polarization, which again became apparent during this election, may seriously endanger the continuation of Montenegro's reform process", added Andreas Gross, the Head of the delegation of the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly.
In a post-election statement, the international observers noted that the elections were conducted largely in line with international standards. However, the observer mission criticized the fact that the decision by major opposition parties to boycott the elections deprived voters of a genuine choice and undermined the democratic process.
In order to avoid further repetitions of yesterday's failed election, the mission recommended the removal of provisions allowing for repeat elections or abolishing the requirement for 50 per cent turnout.
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