The State Election Commission (SEC) held its first session today, which was broadcast live, using video equipment provided by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro.
As announced by the Mission, by introducing live streaming of sessions, the SEC fulfilled the recommendation of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) after the 2020 parliamentary elections.
The OSCE Mission recalled that the ODIHR recommendation, among other things, suggested considering live online broadcasting of SEC sessions and media access, in order to increase transparency and strengthen public trust in the work of the election administration.
SEC President Nikola Mugoša said that today's session, the first to be broadcast publicly, represents a step forward in the work of the Commission.
"By opening sessions to the public, we make it easier for both citizens and the media to follow the work of the Commission, thereby giving an additional impetus to transparency," said Mugoša.
He recalled that the SEC opened its sessions to media representatives in 2023.
Speaking on behalf of the OSCE Mission, National Program Advisor in the Democratization Program, Darko Brajović, said that by introducing live broadcasts of sessions, the SEC has entered a new chapter in election transparency in Montenegro.
As he said, the Mission is pleased to have supported this initiative by providing the necessary video equipment to make live broadcasting possible.
"However, the real credit goes to you who unanimously decided to open the sessions to the public. When election processes are open to the public, they inspire trust," Brajović said.
The OSCE Mission recalled that a survey on public perception and trust in election commissions in Montenegro, from October 2021, showed that 87,3 percent of respondents believed that if the SEC sessions were public, it would strengthen public trust in their work and the election process.
"The OSCE Mission to Montenegro will continue to support the election administration authorities in strengthening their capacities in line with OSCE commitments and best international practices," the statement added.
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