The Agency for Prevention of Corruption (APC), with technical support from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), is continuing intensive preparations for the 2027 electoral cycle through a series of activities aimed at strengthening the Agency’s institutional capacities to effectively exercise its mandate in overseeing the financing of political entities and election campaigns.

Over the past several days, the Agency hosted workshops on strategic communication and the development of a Pre-Election Action Plan, with the aim of further enhancing its operational readiness for the upcoming electoral cycle.

During the strategic communication workshop, participants, with the support of IFES strategic communications expert Dražena Peranić, discussed the importance of communication as a strategic tool for the Agency, the principles of developing a communication strategy, the selection of appropriate communication channels, crisis communication, as well as the monitoring and evaluation of communication activities.

At the same time, with the support of IFES Political Finance Expert Barbara Jouan-Stonestreet, Agency representatives worked on finalizing the activities set out in the Pre-Election Action Plan. The Plan is intended to facilitate strategic planning, ensure a clear allocation of responsibilities, and enable timely coordination of all Agency activities throughout the electoral process.

The workshop also included an analysis of selected examples from previous electoral cycles concerning the conduct of public officials during election campaigns. Through practical exercises, participants tested the Agency’s operational workflows and considered potential challenges that may arise in the course of its work.

Through this systematic approach to strengthening institutional capacities, the Agency is working to ensure that it is fully prepared to respond effectively to all challenges arising during the 2027 electoral cycle.

The Agency for Prevention of Corruption remains committed to strengthening the integrity and transparency of elections as an important component of strengthening democratic institutions and citizens’ trust.

The workshops were organized with the support of the “Protecting the Integrity of the Electoral Process in Montenegro” project, financially supported by the UK’s International Development Agency through the British Embassy in Podgorica and implemented by IFES.