The Minister of Public Administration, Marash Dukaj, informed “Vijesti” yesterday that his team working on the law concept for local elections aims to complete the draft by the end of April. Once finalized, it will be forwarded to the parliamentary Committee for Electoral Reform.

“Following our planned schedule, we anticipate having a finished document by the last week of April, which we will then present to the relevant committee,” he stated.

Two days ago, Dukaj’s ministry announced the formation of a team to draft legislation for local elections. The key proposals will focus on direct elections for mayors and local community bodies, implementing open electoral lists, conducting local elections in a single day, and addressing all current issues in various municipalities.

When questioned about the necessity of creating a team to handle electoral regulations given that there is an existing Committee for Electoral Reform in Parliament, Dukaj explained that the Ministry of Public Administration (MPA) has initiated a reform of the local self-government system. He emphasized that while this is not solely within their jurisdiction, “the election of local self-government bodies greatly influences the functionality of local government units and, ultimately, the realization of citizens’ rights related to local self-government.”

“Through our analysis, we have openly acknowledged the challenges and submitted two initiatives to Parliament. By establishing an expert working group and developing the law concept for local elections, we aim to extend a collaborative effort and expert assistance in the creation of electoral reform at the local level. I am confident this demonstrates our commitment and good intentions to contribute to essential reforms that will pave the way for Montenegro’s accession to the European Union, while ultimately empowering voters with increased decision-making authority,” he remarked.

When asked if the formation of the team indicated a lack of trust in the Committee’s work, and whether he viewed it as inefficient and sought to hasten the electoral reform process, Dukaj clarified that the MPA’s objectives were “clear and sincere,” intending to make “a tangible contribution to electoral reform.”

“We are undertaking this in collaboration with esteemed experts from the academic community, government bodies, and the non-government sector. I anticipate that Committee members will understand this approach and be receptive to a constructive and efficient dialogue on the matter,” said the Minister, adding that, based on the feedback from MPs and Committee members, there is clear consensus on the proposed solutions.

The members of Dukaj’s team, as stated by the MPA, include the President of the State Election Commission Nikola Mugoša, educators Djordje Blažić and Srdjan Darmanovic, Zlatko Vujović from the Center for Monitoring and Research, and Dragan Koprivica from the Center for Democratic Transition, as well as the head of state advisor Ivan Šikmanović. Additionally, Dragisa Janjušević, the State Secretary, and Nina Blažić, the Acting Director General for Local Self-Government, will also participate in the team’s activities.

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