The OSCE Mission in Montenegro and the Faculty of Law of the University of Montenegro organized an election simulation from November 15 to 24, during which Montenegrin students presented their priorities.
The OSCE Mission announced that the students wrote down their priorities on the ballot, which was in the form of a questionnaire that asked young people about a series of issues and priorities.
As they stated, ballot boxes were placed at the Faculty of Law, Economics and Political Sciences in Podgorica, and an address for online voting was also provided.
The OSCE Mission said that the three most important priorities for the students were to be financially independent, to live independently of their parents, and for the government to fight against discrimination and stereotypes.
"Many said they would like to see more efforts put into protecting the environment, as well as more cultural events in the places where they live," the statement said.
As stated, although the majority of students expressed support for tolerance and individual freedom, some showed extreme and radical attitudes and used hate speech that targeted minorities such as the LGBTI+ community.
The deputy head of the Siv Mission, Katrina Leirtroe, said that engagement with the youngest generation of voters can increase their social engagement, to make changes in a civil and voluntary way.
"Universities can play an important role in encouraging public participation, but also in detecting hate speech and preventing extremism," Leirtroe said.
As she stated, the election simulation not only allows students to become familiar with the way they vote, but also helps to encourage the process of habit formation.
Dean of the Faculty of Law, Aneta Spaić, praised the Mission's approach to raising students' awareness of participation in elections.
She said that she is ready to continue working together with the Mission to maintain democracy and build transparent and accountable institutions.
The President of the State Election Commission (SEC) Nikola Mugoša stated that voting is a basic human right.
He said that this is why he would like young people to be more self-confident and to be more familiar with electoral processes and how they can get involved in democracy.
"More information about young people will help the SEC shape its policy and better understand how to encourage young people to vote," said Mugoša.
The mission, as they announced, will use the findings of this activity in the development of its youth projects in the coming years.
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