Dukaj: We have already proposed a legal quota to the Parliament - at least 40 percent of women on lists

Back in April 2025, the Ministry of Public Administration proposed to the Parliament a legal quota - at least 40 percent of women on local election lists, with the solution that the mayor and his deputy must be of different genders, reminded the Minister of Public Administration Maraš Dukaj.

The Gender Equality Committee sent the Committee for Comprehensive Electoral Reform an Initiative for a Proposal to amend the Law on the Election of Councilors and Representatives, which would increase the percentage of representation of the underrepresented gender from 30 percent to 40 percent.

Dukaj said that a comprehensive reform of electoral legislation at the local level includes one-day elections, direct election of the mayor and his deputy, semi-open lists and reform of municipal election commissions.

"We are pleased that our ideas are receiving increasing support, especially from our EU partners who see these solutions as crucial for strengthening democracy and continuing Montenegro's EU path. The reforms we propose are essential, not symbolic and declarative. Montenegro needs an electoral system that affirms gender equality and introduces democracy, while strengthening democratic institutions. We call on political actors to support reform solutions that protect the public from party interests in the long term," said Dukaj.