Forward Movement: Who broke the law - the election commission of Podgorica or Kotor?

"We point out that the same legal provision was interpreted in different ways by two municipal election commissions, which led to different actions of the first-instance authorities in the same factual and legal situations."

5731 views 20 reactions 20 comment(s)
Photo: Movement Forward
Photo: Movement Forward
Disclaimer: The translations are mostly done through AI translator and might not be 100% accurate.

The Naprijed movement expressed concern about, as they stated, different interpretations and application of the Law on the Election of Councilors and Members of Parliament by municipal election commissions.

This, as written in the press release of the Forward Movement, "led to a series of irregularities and uneven treatment of political entities".

"Namely, we point out that the same legal provision was interpreted in different ways by the two municipal election commissions, which led to different actions of the first-instance authorities in the same factual and legal situations and directly affected the election result. In the case of the list 'Dr. Vuk Kadić - Move Forward "For Podgorica and the family", our objections to the election process in the capital Podgorica were rejected, while the Democratic Party of Socialists in Kotor received a positive decision on the same objections.

Movement Forward reminded that Article 89 of the Law on the Election of Councilors and Members of Parliament clearly defines the conditions under which elections must be repeated at a polling station.

"For example, a repeat election is necessary if it is determined that the number of ballots in the box exceeds the number of voters who have been identified or the number of control coupons. In such situations, the electoral committee is dissolved and a new one is appointed. Also, Article 69 of the Law clearly stipulates that the voter the signature on the extract from the voter's list confirms the receipt of the ballot. If the voter's book disappears, it becomes impossible to determine whether the voters have actually received the ballots, which seriously undermines the integrity of the election," announced the Forward Movement.

they point out that their situation in Podgorica, where complaints were rejected, while in Kotor, according to the same law, complaints were accepted, "clearly indicates an inconsistency and potential violation of the law by one of the municipal election commissions".

"We believe that this type of behavior creates confusion and undermines confidence in the electoral process. The point is that in the same or similar situation, that is, on the factual and legal basis, the action of election commissions must be uniform and uniform. The uneven practice of election commissions can seriously damage the integrity of the election process. We remind that the uniform application of law is one of the foundations of the rule of law in democratic societies".

From the Forward Movement, they expect the State Election Commission to "act in accordance with the law, review the facts presented in the objections and ensure a transparent and fair resolution of the situation".

"The gross violation of the electoral law and process that we witnessed in the previous days must not become the standard. The Forward Movement insists on the consistent application of the law and the responsibility of all participants in the election process," concludes the announcement of the Forward Movement.

Bonus video: