Margareta CederfeltCOPENHAGEN, 19 August 2020 – In the first OSCE PA election observation activity since the coronavirus outbreak last spring, a limited number of OSCE parliamentarians will deploy to Montenegro for the 30 August parliamentary elections. OSCE PA Vice-President Margareta Cederfelt (Sweden) has been nominated to be the Special Co-ordinator of the Special Limited Election Observation Mission (SLEOM), which will include some 12 observers. The PA observers will work closely with the Limited Election Observation Mission deployed by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.

“The 30 August elections are important not only for Montenegro’s democratic development and its international aspirations, but also as a marker for Europe’s gradual reopening from the coronavirus lockdown,” Cederfelt said. “As observers, we look forward to seeing how Montenegro is working to ensure the conduct of elections in line with OSCE commitments while protecting public health.”

She added that the presence of international observers is a sign of solidarity with the people of Montenegro.

OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella noted the challenging circumstances of organizing the SLEOM within the context of health concerns, travel restrictions and mandatory quarantine requirements in some countries.

“As our first election observation activity since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world, the OSCE PA International Secretariat is taking every precaution to ensure the safety of our members and others,” Montella said. “As the OSCE PA begins the process of resuming our normal activities, we will pay very close attention to relevant developments and will make adjustments as needed.”

The SLEOM will be limited to observation in Podgorica and is expected to include a number of Bureau members. The elections will be assessed on their compliance with democratic commitments laid out in the OSCE Copenhagen Document. It will be the eighth time the OSCE PA has observed an election in Montenegro. Previous statements on Montenegrin elections are available here.