This study examines the phenomenon of abuse of state resources, with a special focus on the local elections in Podgorica in 2024. The main goal of the study is to point out the systematic and extensive abuse of state resources during election campaigns, which undermines the principles of fair elections and threatens citizens' trust in the election process. 

Through the analysis of various forms of abuse: financial, institutional, regulatory and repressive resources - the research identifies key issues and provides concrete recommendations for improving the electoral system and strengthening control mechanisms. The study is based on a methodology for monitoring electoral irregularities and provides a comprehensive insight into international standards, the national legal framework and concrete examples of abuses during the local elections in Podgorica in 2024. 

With over two decades of experience in monitoring elections and democratization of Montenegro, the Centre for Monitoring and Research (CeMI) remains dedicated to improving the electoral system, and through this study again draws attention to the urgent need for reforms and strengthening mechanisms that would ensure the transparency and impartiality of the electoral process. 

The study was created within the project ˝For Free and Fair Elections – Montenegro 2023/2024˝, which was implemented by the Centre for Monitoring and Research and funded by British Embassy Podgorica.