The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

Two years since gaining independence peacefully, Montenegro is oriented toward Euro-Atlantic integration, advancing relatively quickly in its respective bids to join the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The country has demonstrated progress in establishing a new constitution, developing its governance capacity, and seeking to design and implement policy reforms that modernize its political and economic systems in line with European norms. It has normalized relations with all of its neighbors, including Serbia and Kosovo.

At the same time, the country’s transition to democracy faces some important challenges. Polarized relations between a governing party in power for more than a decade and a fractured opposition have stymied needed compromises on many reforms. National identity issues related to citizenship and organized religion, along with the rights of ethnic minorities, continue to dominate political discourse. Civil society groups find few points of entry into parliament and government as advocates and watchdogs. Elected officials are, however, increasing their efforts to produce and deliver policies responsive to citizen priorities.

Since 1999, NDI has helped political parties, parliament, and civil society conduct genuine elections, initiate public dialogue on policy reform, and improve legislative efficiency and organization. NDI’s current, USAID-funded program is focused on parliament, seeking to improve its legislative procedure, build more productive government-opposition relations, and increase its organizational capacity.

Parliamentary Support

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