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.

In the five years since independence in 2006, Montenegro has won European Union membership candidate status and joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace. Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic stepped down at the end of 2010 after leading Montenegro for nearly 20 years; he continues to head the ruling Democratic Party of Socialists. New Prime Minister Igor Luksic has fresh momentum to address longstanding democracy challenges in government transparency, anti-corruption and judicial independence. A power imbalance between the DPS and a fractured opposition has stymied democratic progress, although civic groups are stepping forward to engage the government on critical issues. A 2011 census is renewing some concern over such sensitive issues as ethnic identity and language.

NDI's Democracy Support Program

Starting in 1997, NDI helped political parties, parliament and civil society create a framework for democratic elections, convene public dialogue on policy reform, and improve legislative efficiency and organization. In parliament, NDI supported efforts to strengthen lawmaking and oversight of the executive branch through modernizing parliamentary administration, improving committee review and amendment of legislation, redesigning parliament’s website and helping members represent citizen interests in environmental, urban planning and other key issues. NDI expertise also contributed to improved rules of procedure and committee oversight hearings.

NDI helped to found and supported the development of the Center for Democratic Transition (CDT). Through its election and government monitoring and advocacy initiatives, CDT has provided citizens with nonpartisan information on the democratic performance of government bodies and political parties. CDT’s monitoring of the 2006 independence referendum was particularly important in ensuring citizens that the close outcome favoring independence reflected their will.

• Text messaging delivers for Montenegro election monitors»

NDI built on the above efforts by assisting three government ministries in their strategic planning, policy development, and internal and public outreach. NDI seminars on message development taught Ministry of Finance staff how to draft clear and cohesive budget talking points for ministers. As a result of NDI training on internal communication, the Ministry of Environment launched a newsletter to promote transparency and clarity in staff structure and responsibilities.

• Montenegrin ministries changing the way they approach policy making»

NDI closed its Montenegro office in March 2011 but retains representation in Podgorica to continue incorporating the parliament and political parties into Institute regional initiatives. NDI expresses its gratitude to USAID, the National Endowment for Democracy, the Netherlands government and the United Nations Development Programme, all of which have supported NDI’s democratization work in Montenegro.     

• Regional political party initiative»
• Regional parliamentary initiative»
• Liberal parties in the Balkans plot a shared course toward the future»
• Center-right political party youth leaders gather from across the Balkans to form political network»
• Youth leaders declaration from Belgrade summit seeks regional cooperation and peace
• Emerging political and civic leaders gather in Belgrade»

Contact Information

For more information about these programs, use our contact form or contact:

Washington, D.C.
Kent Fogg, Senior Program Assistant
kfogg@ndi.org

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Pictured Above: Former Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic addresses members of parliament in plenary. Montenegrin Parliament.