Phiren amenca: GP URA initiative an important step towards creating a more inclusive political system

The initiative of the Civic Movement (GP) URA, which refers to considering lowering the electoral threshold for the Roma minority, represents an important step towards creating a more inclusive political system, assessed the NGO Roma Youth Organization Walk with Us - Phiren Amenca.

As they state in the statement, it is particularly encouraging that the issue of involving the RE community is being considered in such a clear and open manner for the first time in the context of specific changes to electoral legislation.

"We emphasize that so far, in the political space of Montenegro, there has rarely been an opportunity to directly address the issue of political representation of Roma and Egyptians through systemic solutions in this way," they said.

"The initiative to consider lowering the electoral threshold represents an important step towards creating a more inclusive political system, in which members of the RE community would have a more realistic opportunity to be represented in the Parliament of Montenegro. In this way, space is opened for strengthening equality, institutional equity and democratic representativeness of all citizens," they said.

They recall that GP URA official Ana Novaković Đurović emphasized in her public address that an important feature of their legal proposal is the introduction of an electoral threshold for members of the Roma people.

"We believe that the time has come for members of the Roma people to have their own political participation, bearing in mind that in the previous period they were unjustly neglected and discriminated against," said Novaković Đurović at a press conference held in the Parliament on Thursday.

The non-governmental organization emphasized that through this initiative, GP URA demonstrates its willingness to support policies that "contribute to greater inclusion, equal opportunities and the strengthening of democratic institutions in Montenegro."

"NGO Phiren Amenca believes that this is a significant signal that should be an incentive for other political entities to recognize the importance of systemic solutions that lead to greater representation of Roma and Egyptians in political life. Without the real participation of the RE community in the institutions of the system, there is neither full equality nor a truly inclusive society," they said.

They add that they remain committed to advocating for policies that will provide equal opportunities for all citizens of Montenegro and continue to contribute to strengthening the dialogue between institutions and the Roma and Egyptian communities.