Muslim and Roma parties seek guaranteed seats in Montenegro

The Party of Montenegrin Muslims and the Democratic Party of Roma have formally requested that upcoming amendments to the Law on the Election of Councilors and Members of Parliament include guaranteed parliamentary mandates for their respective communities.

In a letter addressed to the European Union Ambassador to Montenegro, Johan Satler, leaders Jasmin Muhović and Mensur Šaljaj called for an inclusive approach to electoral reform. They expressed concern that while other minority groups, such as Albanians and Croats, have received initiatives for guaranteed seats, the Muslim and Roma communities have been excluded from these discussions.

According to 2023 census data, Muslims constitute 1.63 percent of Montenegro's population, while Roma make up approximately 0.93 percent. The parties are seeking a threshold reduction to 0.35 percent to facilitate authentic political representation and ensure that all ethnic communities are integrated into the country's decision-making institutions as it pursues European Union membership.