No real change without an alternative to partitocracy

Mobilising citizens who abstain from voting is one of the key challenges facing Montenegrin society, and overcoming it depends above all on whether there is a real alternative to the existing partitocratic system.

Regional trends, and especially the political processes in Serbia, where the mass mobilisation of previously passive citizens proved to be an important precondition for the success of the student lists, show that the abstaining electorate cannot be activated within the rigid political patterns that dominate Montenegro.

Such a step forward requires new ideas and recognisable political and social platforms that represent a fundamental departure from the way the current political system works.

The government’s current political concepts, such as the “Euromodel”, are aimed primarily at internal party homogenisation and at consolidating the party base, rather than at broader social mobilisation. Such models can hardly motivate the social groups that, according to research, show a marked tendency to abstain from elections:

• Young people, who do not find meritocratic values, equal opportunities or room for social and political engagement independent of party membership in the current political offer.
• Pensioners, whose interests the “Euromodel” does not sufficiently respect, pushing aside the principle of intergenerational solidarity and leaving them on the margins of key social processes.

Without a new social consensus, based on a more responsible attitude towards young people and pensioners, Montenegrin society risks remaining trapped in political apathy and distrust of institutions.

Montenegro needs authentic social and political platforms that will not serve only to homogenise existing party structures, but will give citizens who have lost trust in the political system convincing reasons to become active.

It is time for an alternative that mobilises not only party-disciplined voters, but also encourages those who abstain to take an active part in shaping their own future and the future of Montenegro.