Although opposition is boycotting Niksic elections on March 12th, if they decided to let go of president spots on election boards, the elections would be without control. This is how Janko Milatovic from DF explained yesterday’s decision of the opposition to appear at the lottery and receive spots on 67 out of 138 voting polls.
“In 6 days we will reach a decision about whether we will delegate presidents and members of election boards, which is our right in accordance with the Law on election of councilors and representatives”, Milatovic said to Dnevne Novine daily.
Milatovic would not clarify if failing to name members of election boards was one of DF strategies.
“We have several strategies planned, and one will be implemented, the one that works for all members of opposition parties. DF and its coalition, Demos and SNP would not do anything that would endanger the unity of opposition. We will do what we all agree on”, Milatovic said.
On the other hand, Lala Nikcevic from DPS said that anyone who would try to prevent Niksic citizens from realizing their constitutional right on any voting booth in municipality, would enter the zone of criminal responsibility and lawful punishment.
“The punishment is from 6 months to 3 years. By joining election booths, opposition gave legitimacy to the elections, despite their boycott. If they are joining in order to obstruct the process, they must be aware of the consequences”, Radivoje Lala Nikcevic said for DN daily.
Representatives of political parties must submit suggestions for board members by February 26th, so OIK could pass the decision by March 1st.
What is written in the Criminal Code of Montenegro?
Violation of the right to stand
Article 184
Those who illegally prevent or obstruct candidacy on elections will be punished with a monetary fee or remand of one year.
Violation of freedom of voting choice
Article 186
(1) Those who use force or threats or other illegal actions to influence someone on elections or referendum on whether to vote or not, or who to vote for or against, will be punished with a monetary fee or remand of three years.
Abuse of voting rights
Article 187
(1) Those who vote under someone else’s name, or vote more than once during elections or referendum will be punished with a monetary fee or remand of one year.
Violation of voting secrecy
Article 191
(1) Those who violate voting secrecy on elections or referendum will be punished with a monetary fee or remand of 6 months.
Destroying voting documents
Article 193
(1) Those who destroy, damage, take or hide voting tickets or other documents of voting on elections or referendum will be punished with a monetary fee or remand of one year.
Election list for upcoming Niksic election have DPS on the first spot, lead by current mayor of Niksic Veselin Grbovic, and Social-democrats on the second spot, lead by Spasoje Vukotic.
