MANS monitored the local elections in Podgorica at polling stations covering more than 90% of the electorate. The elections atmosphere was peaceful at most of the polling stations, but some incidents were registered, including attacks on our observers such as verbal insults and threats with violence. While the police responded efficiently, the State Prosecutor Office remained closed during the entire Election Day.
Our observers and citizens detected violations of the regulations of such weight that might undermine the legitimacy of election results at a number of polling stations. After the elections, over 2,500 complaints were submitted by four political parties regarding 842 concrete cases identified by MANS.
When dealing with the complaints, the Municipal Election Commission used a range of unorthodox methods, including a physical attack on MANS representatives. Then Commission made a political decision to reject all submitted complaints en bloc, failing to provide a proper legal justification. We will challenge these decisions firstly at the State Electoral Commission, and then at the Constitutional Court, if needed.
- Preliminary findings and conclusions you may download HERE (PDF)
