Jelena Marković, the head of the “For a Libertarian Nikšić with Equal Opportunities” list, asserts that she has faced discrimination due to her gender, preventing her from participating in the upcoming local elections in Nikšić on April 13th.

The Municipal Election Commission has rejected her list for a second time, citing a lack of 44 valid voter signatures. Marković plans to appeal this decision to the State Election Commission, and if that appeal is denied, she will escalate the matter to the Constitutional Court.

She has extended an invitation to state and government leaders, Jakov Milatović and Milojko Spajić, to discuss her experiences and to convey that her struggle stems from being a female leader in the electoral race. She believes they advocate for human rights and gender equality.

“It’s astonishing that I received what felt like an ultimatum suggesting I should not be the leader of any list in the Nikšić elections. I stand firm because I am a libertarian and a defender of human rights, and my rights as a woman are under threat to an unreasonable extent,” Marković stated during a press conference.

Marković pointed out that surveys indicated her list had the potential to achieve parliamentary representation, suggesting that someone, though unspecified, has obstructed that opportunity.

“Concerning the signatures, there were instances where individuals signed more than once, which is legally questionable. However, neither I nor my supporters engaged in any misconduct. I am committed to locating those 77 individuals, and if any are willing to confirm their support, we will present ourselves to the State Election Commission,” she affirmed.

She also noted that following her resignation from the Liberal Party, she submitted criminal complaints to the relevant authorities, yet no action has been taken to date.

According to her, it’s apparent that her presence in the election is unsettling to certain competitors, though she refrained from naming them.

“As a Montenegrin, I find it unacceptable to be victimized; what is occurring constitutes a profound injustice, violence, and discrimination fueled by ill intentions. I urge the judiciary to investigate this matter expediently without delay, or else the Nikšić elections will be postponed. If it leads to a woman being prevented from leading a list, I will assert my position as a leader among male counterparts,” said Marković.

She alleges that some individuals on her list have faced pressure to withdraw, being told that their participation would “waste Montenegrin votes.”

“My opinion of all things Montenegrin is quite diminished, but since 2006, Montenegrins have dwindled significantly,” she stressed, emphasizing that she serves as the “voice of the Montenegrin people whom they could not silence.”

She believes that the people’s voice must rise.

“One woman had the courage to stand firm, while others capitulated to pressure. I refuse to give in. I will advocate for my right to free speech, critical thought, and exposing corrupt authorities,” Marković emphasized.

She expressed concern over the dysfunction of national institutions.

“Partitocracy has devastated our nation. We will never join the European Union if we persist in violently opposing women who seek to engage in politics. I implore all civil society groups focused on women’s rights to take action. Concerning media representation, I’ve been systematically sidelined from the platform that should amplify my voice. I urge the media—whom I’ve reached out to countless times—to allow the Montenegrin people’s voice to be heard, including the voice of a woman who fights against violence and advocates for all citizens. Human rights in Montenegro have been severely compromised. We must ask who benefits from this division, which, unfortunately, is nationalistic. I, Jelena Marković, do not harbor hate. I love all people, as I was raised to do. I refuse to divide them,” she concluded.

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