Electoral Crime in Montenegro: Will the Law Finally Take Effect?
Montenegro is back in the spotlight due to serious problems with electoral crime. The Ministry of Justice, led by Bojan Božović, has announced that fighting electoral crime will become a priority. Is this just another empty promise or will something finally change?
What exactly is being proposed?
Amendments to the Criminal Code have been proposed to toughen penalties for bribing councilors and MPs, forging voter signatures, and illegal financing of political campaigns. These changes come in response to an initiative by the Electoral Reform Committee, which includes representatives from the civil sector. Božović stated that the Ministry of Justice’s working group will prioritize reviewing these proposals.
Why is this important?
Electoral crime directly undermines the foundations of democracy. When votes are bought, signatures forged, and money illegally spent, citizens lose trust in the electoral process. Some MPs have already welcomed these amendments, emphasizing that protecting democratic principles is crucial and that fear of criminal prosecution should not influence political decisions.
Will the law really be effective?
While the amendments are welcome, the question remains how well they will be implemented in practice. Montenegro faces numerous challenges in its judicial system, and political pressures often hinder institutional independence. However, the involvement of NGOs in the Electoral Reform Committee gives hope that progress will be made.
What do others say?
NGOs and some MPs agree that there is no reason for anyone to oppose fighting electoral crime. It is clear that this issue should not be subject to political manipulation. Now it is up to the Ministry of Justice to show seriousness and turn these initiatives into concrete legal changes and effective enforcement.
Conclusion
Montenegro stands at a crossroads. Will it finally stop electoral fraud or will everything remain just on paper? The proposed amendments to the Criminal Code are a step in the right direction, but the real battle is yet to come. If you want to see real change, maybe it’s time to join the conversation — or at least drop a sarcastic comment about how elections in Montenegro have become a real soap opera.
What do you think? Will the law really change things or is this just another show for the public? Share your thoughts, maybe together we’ll uncover the real players in this electoral drama!
