Podgorica, (MINA) – The introduction of open lists is crucial for further democratization, greater responsibility of elected representatives and serious preparation of Montenegro for the EU membership, said independent MP Jevrosima Pejovic, adding that major parties are hesitant, not wanting to lose control over mandates.

In an interview with the MINA News Agency, Pejovic said that the EU accession talks represent the most significant progress on Montenegro’s political scene over the past year, but that the results still fall short of their potential.

“We must be aware that, as a system, we failed to give our maximum, sine out of ten announced chapters to be closed, we have completed only half”, said Pejovic.

She warned that the EU integration process is not a one-way street, and does not depend solely on the EU and geopolitical situation, but rather on national institutions and political actors. 

According to her, political will for joining the EU exists, but not all actors share the same priorities.

When asked if there is clear political will and commitment to EU membership within the same parliamentary majority, Pejovic said that there is clear commitment only to personal political interests. “When these political interests align with EU integration, they advocate for integration as well”.

Commenting on the electoral reform, Pejovic said that there is agreement in principle on introducing open or semi-open lists, but that this does not suit the largest political players on the scene, as they would lose control over their officials.

She rejected claims that the Montenegrin system or citizens are not ready for open lists, citing examples of countries with weaker capacities and pointing out that Montenegro is the only country in the region, besides Serbia, that has not yet introduced them.

When asked if she believes that the process of introducing open lists is being deliberately delayed so parties can retain control over their mandates, Pejovic answered in the affirmative, saying that they “don’t want to cut the branch they are sitting on”.

Speaking about the benefits of open lists, she pointed out that citizens would benefit the most because they would be able to directly elect and hold their representatives accountable.

Pejovic believes that open lists are a necessary step if Montenegro wants to seriously prepare for EU membership, recalling that these are the rules under which members of the European Parliament are elected.

She pointed out the challenging position of young women in politics, especially those planning a family.

“We, female MPs, are the only ones in the entire country who do not have the right to maternity leave”, said Pejovic, adding that it is much easier for men to plan their political future.

Commenting on the conflict between President Jakov Milatovic and Minister of Defense Dragan Krapovic regarding the dismissal of the commander of the Navy of the Army of Montenegro and similar incidents, Pejovic warned about the harmful effect of public disputes in the security sector.

As she emphasized, Montenegro does not have the luxury to send conflicting messages to the international community.