Abuse of institutional advantage during the election campaign in order to gain voter support has become a common practice in Montenegro, with ruling parties using state resources to gain advantage. Although such abuses have been documented by international observers as well, the lack of legal regulation enables this type of behaviour, which jeopardise the key democratic principles of the electoral system.
Public authorities must remain neutral and ensure equal treatment for all candidates, allowing voters the freedom to make informed decisions without pressure. Incumbents often have access to public sector resources, which allows them to gain advantage through visibility and prestige, thus influencing public perception and potential support.
This publication provides an overview of the Montenegrin legal framework and international standards regarding the use of administrative resources in the election campaign. It also includes case studies of abuse of institutional advantage during local elections in Budva and Podgorica, analysing concrete examples and their impact on democratic processes.
Complete publication is available HERE.
