Montenegro NGO and Ruling Party Duel Over Corruption

Months of verbal warfare between local watchdog MANS and Montenegro's ruling party Democratic Party of Socialists, DPS, ahead of May’s local elections in the capital, peaked on Wednesday with mutual accusations about scandals, abuse of state resources and corruption.

MANS on Wednesday released an audio recording in which alleged activists of Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic’s party agreed the purchase of 70 identity cards from opposition voters ahead of the elections in Podgorica set for May 25.

The ruling party responded with accusations that the published audio file was false and that the people the NGO claimed were DPS activists in fact were employees of MANS.

The DPS accused MANS and daily newspaper Dan, which published the report, of “directly working for the opposition”.  

With the help of foreign donors, including the European Commission, MANS has been monitoring the election campaign, focusing on irregularities in the electoral roll and the possible misuse of state resources for party purposes.

On an almost daily basis, MANS has accused Djukanovic's party of violating electoral law and of foul play, especially over the purchase of ID cards from opposition supporters in order to prevent them from voting.

MANS is Montenegro's most influential non-governmental organization. Founded in 2000, it focuses on the problems of corruption and organized crime. It has published several reports and audio recordings in recent months, claiming they provide proof of “serious wrongdoing” on the part of the DPS.

On Wednesday at a press conference Djukanovic’s party dismissed all the claims. A senior DPS official, Vladan Vucelic, at the same time urged the State Prosecutor to prosecute those responsible for...

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