Montenegro - Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Treaty

This report addresses Montenegro’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights with respect to civic participation. Despite past efforts to strengthen democratic engagement, recent developments threaten Montenegro’s compliance with Article 25.

This report examines key concerns regarding civic participation in Montenegro, including (1) the absence of civic education in schools, which has contributed to declining voter turnout and increased political intolerance; and (2) the influence of external actors, particularly Russia, on Montenegro’s electoral process through disinformation campaigns, financial backing of political groups, and interference via religious institutions.

This report recommends that Montenegro reinstate mandatory civic education programs to strengthen democratic engagement, take concrete steps to safeguard its electoral system from foreign influence, and implement measures to combat disinformation and political manipulation.