Bosniak Party (BS) MP Admir Adrović stated that Montenegro’s journey towards European Union (EU) membership hinges on the progress of electoral reforms. He believes that the political factions share equal responsibility for the paralysis affecting the Committee for Comprehensive Electoral Reform.

In an interview with MINA agency, Adrović affirmed that European partners are not focused on assigning blame to either the government or the opposition, but rather they assess the Montenegrin political landscape as a whole.

“I am certain they do not approve of what is unfolding here and are likely questioning why this situation remains unresolved,” Adrović remarked.

He noted that the Law on Financing of Political Parties and Campaigns was anticipated to be finalized within a designated timeframe. He emphasized that the EU had been lenient on Montenegro regarding this law, given that its adoption is a prerequisite for obtaining IBAR, and Montenegro has a responsibility to pass the law without undue delay.

“I believe that the success of electoral reform will directly influence our EU accession process,” Adrović added.

He asserted that Montenegro’s progress towards Europe will stagnate unless this essential work is completed.

“Ultimately, it won’t matter who is at fault—the government, the opposition, or any specific party—if we hinder our pathway to the EU,” Adrović stressed.

When asked who is to blame for the blockade of the Electoral Reform Committee, Adrović indicated that the BS has not taken a stance, asserting that all political entities share responsibility for the current impasse.

“As BS, we have chosen not to take sides because we believe this process should not be a tool for fleeting political gains, but rather a pivotal aspect of refining the electoral process,” he reiterated.

He emphasized that electoral reform needs to be prioritized, rather than exploited for immediate political advantage.

“While we have not positioned ourselves on accountability, I believe every political entity carries some blame for the deadlock we currently face,” Adrović stated.

He expressed skepticism about the resumption of the Electoral Reform Committee’s work until outstanding political issues affecting Montenegro’s landscape are addressed.

Adrović argued that all political bodies have not engaged in the electoral reform process with adequate seriousness, highlighting the necessity for greater accountability and awareness.

“If I were to assign responsibility, I think we all share equal fault for the stalled progress on this issue,” Adrović concluded.

Regarding the presence of political will for electoral reform, he expressed his belief that such will does exist.

He explained that the Committee’s structure, designed for consensus-based decision-making, often leads to certain political entities acting in ways that obstruct the Committee due to their self-interests.

Adrović noted that this tactic of obstructing the Committee is not unique to the current situation, having occurred previously as well.

“While BS could have exploited such scenarios, we opted not to, as we believe it serves our interests better to finalize this process both swiftly and effectively,” he remarked.

In response to the claims made by co-chair of the Electoral Reform Committee, Vasilije Čarapić, regarding the Europe Now Movement (PES) seeking an alternative operational model for the Committee due to opposition boycotts, Adrović admitted he was unaware of the specific model Čarapić referenced.

“The only solution that comes to mind is for the ruling majority to pass these laws independently, but I remind you that certain laws necessitate a two-thirds majority, thus requiring opposition engagement for the enactment of crucial legislation,” he remarked.

He stressed the importance of opposition participation in electoral reform, asserting that any proposals excluding them from the decision-making process are detrimental.

“If the opposition ultimately disengages or disputes the changes, what progress have we achieved? If we face challenges tomorrow, our efforts will have been in vain,” Adrović elaborated.

He expressed reluctance to engage in approaches that undermine the core of electoral reform.

“I am not an advocate of resorting to forceful measures to resolve issues. Our political entity promotes dialogue and negotiation, always seeking common ground, but agreements must be made in good faith,” Adrović asserted.

Concerning the Law on Financing of Political Parties, he noted that they were close to finalizing that legal text, with only one or two matters pending resolution.

Adrović indicated that there had been progress on these issues and that the session for the Electoral Reform Committee was initially scheduled to coincide with the Constitutional Committee session, which ultimately led to the parliamentary stagnation.

“Had the incidents at the Constitutional Committee not occurred, we would likely have finalized that law by now, advancing it into parliamentary proceedings, marking a significant step towards unblocking the entire process,” Adrović observed.

He opined that if all political factions comprehend the gravity of the situation, they will reconvene to address electoral reform after resolving the existing burdens.

When asked when he anticipates the opposition to cease their blockade of the Electoral Reform Committee, Adrović conceded uncertainty, suggesting that an agreement between the ruling majority and the opposition is necessary before the latter can recommence participation in plenary sessions.

“That has not materialized yet. I do expect it to occur soon, as it serves neither party’s interest—the government or the opposition—for the latter to remain absent from parliamentary discussions,” Adrović emphasized.

He remarked that only members of the ruling majority have participated in recent plenary sessions, which he believes is not representative of genuine parliamentary activity, and urged for a path forward to resolve the current predicament.

“It is essential that we find a way to engage in dialogue, making decisions on the next steps to avert a complete political system blockage,” Adrović concluded.

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