Podgorica, (MINA) - The introduction of open electoral lists, which allow citizens to directly elect their representatives in parliament, could reduce voter abstention, lead to greater accountability among MPs and encourage necessary intra-party reforms, said Marija Veskovic, adviser to the President of the state for public policies.

In an interview with the MINA News Agency, she said that despite the declarative support of some political parties, concrete steps towards changing the electoral system are still lacking.

Veskovic explained that the current system of closed lists means that voters can vote only for parties, while party leaders decide which candidates receive mandates.

She said that open lists would help establish a closer relationship between MPs and voters, as citizens would know exactly who they elected and who they can turn to.

At the same time, Veskovic added, open lists would encourage political parties to pay more attention to the quality of their candidates.

However, according to her, this is one reason why some political parties show resistance to changing the electoral model.

Veskovic explained that the introduction of open lists could reduce voter abstention, because many currently do not feel that they have an influence on the election of MPs.

According to Veskovic, the introduction of open lists in the future is almost inevitable due to European integration.

Speaking about the political support for that idea, Veskovic said that it mostly remains at a declarative level.

“It is not politically smart to say that you are against citizens having more power. That is why the parties support open lists in principle, but in practice we do not see concrete steps”, said Veskovic.

Referring to the work of the Electoral Reform Committee, especially after the Democratic Party of Socialists left that parliamentary body, Veskovic said that the situation should be resolved, because electoral reform requires the participation of the opposition in the committee.

“It is not only about electoral reform, but also about the normal functioning of the Parliament, which must continue its work. Opposition representatives play a significant role in relation to other parliamentary activities – the adoption of a set of laws that are necessary in the process of Montenegro’s EU accession”, said Veskovic.