Democratic MP Momčilo Leković, who proposed the amendment to the Law on Voters’ Register, expressed gratitude to his colleagues who supported the proposal.

“The citizens of Šavnik are being deprived of their fundamental democratic right – to vote and be elected,” he noted, highlighting the issue of electoral tourism.

He mentioned that over 300 individuals changed their residence to the Šavnik municipality from the day of the announcement until the voter list’s closure, only to later revert their changes. His proposal aims to ensure voting rights for those who maintained their residency in Šavnik.

Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) MP Nikola Rakočević argued that the proposed legislation falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Committee for Comprehensive Electoral Reform, asserting that discussions regarding electoral laws should occur solely within that committee.

He stated they are “on the verge of an optimal agreement” but warned that suggestions being put forward could jeopardize the Committee’s work.

“At one point, the parliamentary majority proposed the same, then retracted it under pressure from the international community and opposition, as the outcome would have led to the Committee’s dissolution,” he clarified.

He added that the Committee for Comprehensive Electoral Reform is vital for EU integration.

Leković affirmed that his proposal would be submitted to the Committee for representatives from both the government and opposition to discuss, aiming to facilitate the resolution of the ongoing Šavnik issue, which has persisted for over two years.

“This is a step towards reviving the Committee for Comprehensive Electoral Reform,” he remarked.

Committee Co-Chairman and Europe Now (PES) MP Vasilije Čarapić emphasized that the proposal must be reviewed by the Committee, yet no MP should be barred from proposing laws.

“While some suggestions may lack comprehensiveness, it’s not the first time a law related to electoral reform has been addressed in the Assembly. I recall that when we voted on the census, certain laws were discussed that fell outside the Committee’s purview but were still electoral legislation,” he said, stressing that the law cannot be adopted without a Committee discussion.

Social Democrat (SD) MP Boris Mugoša contended that if the law is placed on the agenda, the relevant committee would not be the Committee for Comprehensive Electoral Reform, but rather the Committee for the Political System, Judiciary and Administration.

“This essentially renders the Comprehensive Reform Committee ineffective,” he asserted.

“It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the Rules of Procedure, as they dictate our operations,” he added.

He noted that similar circumstances “nearly disrupted the Committee’s work” a year and a half ago.

Rakočević lamented “this level of manipulation” and expressed disappointment that the co-chair of the committee failed to “protect his integrity.”

He pleaded not to compromise “Montenegro’s European perspective,” which 80 percent of citizens favor.

Čarapić countered that the opposing party blocked the board twice due to attempts to impose mandatory administration in Šavnik following legal protocols.

“The parliamentary majority reinstated the opposition in parliament for the sake of the European perspective. We have demonstrated our commitment to this perspective on two occasions and will continue to do so. I believe the opposition should likewise showcase their commitment by participating in the Committee. They need not support every solution, but they should make their stance clear—whether they are in favor of the European perspective or against it due to a particular law’s introduction,” he commented.

Bosniak Party (BS) MP Admir Adrović remarked that there is a consensus against blocking the committee and suggested that the aforementioned solution should first undergo Committee discussion.

“We must approach this carefully to avoid jeopardizing the European perspective,” he stressed.

The BS representative indicated that a resolution could be reached, and that his party would abstain from supporting the law’s proposal being placed on the agenda.

Mandić reiterated that they are “representatives of the citizens” and that no one can prevent MPs from making proposals.

The proposal received majority support, with 36 MPs voting in favor.

Čarapić called for a break to address “some procedural matters,” which was granted.