Ivanović: Montenegro appreciates the support of ODIHR in the reform processes

Montenegro appreciates the presence of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) during the election process and the support in democratization and reform of the electoral legislation, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs Filip Ivanović at a meeting with the director of the ODIHR, Mateo Mekaći.

As announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Ivanović pointed out that the comprehensive monitoring, analysis and recommendations aimed at improving the electoral system are at the same time the support of the ODIHR in meeting the requirements of the European agenda and a contribution to overall institutional strengthening.

Mekaći, it is reported, said that he was satisfied with the cooperation with Montenegrin institutions, assessing that Montenegro, in the context of the reforms it is implementing, is sending positive signals both to the member countries of the European Union (EU) and to the region.

"On that line, the importance of establishing standards and strengthening citizens' confidence in the electoral process was pointed out, as key prerequisites for ensuring the holding of free and fair elections," the statement said.

The MFA said that Ivanovic and Mekaći also discussed the results in the area of ​​judicial reform and the 44th Government's commitment to progress in key chapters of negotiations with the EU.

"Both sides assessed that the strengthening of the electoral process, as one of the foundations of democracy, represents an important part of the overall efforts to achieve the priority foreign policy goal of Montenegro, membership in the EU," the announcement concludes.