Djukanovic’s coalition claims victory in elections
30.03.2009
Montenegro's ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic claimed a large electoral majority in the early parliamentary elections held on Sunday.
Djukanovic is the man behind Montenegro’s independence from Serbia in 2006 and the country's strongest political figure for almost two decades. Exit polls suggest that the “European Montenegro” coalition, which is dominated by Djukanovic's party, has won 51.1% of votes (with a maximum margin of error of 1%).
The coalition would therefore have won 49 of the 81 seats in parliament, way above the 41 seats which Djukanovic controlled during the preceding term. The main opposition Socialist People’s Party looks to have won 16%, with the New Serbian Democracy Party at 9%. There were 16 parties on the ballot.
Djukanovic called the vote 18 months early, saying he wanted a new mandate for economic and social reforms needed to bring the country closer to the European Union and NATO membership.
<<< back to all Montenegrin news >>>