Milo Djukanovic has ruled Montenegro since independence when Yugoslavia disintegrated 33 years ago. On Sunday, he acknowledges the election defeat. Photo: AP / NTB
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2. apr. 2023 22:25 – Updated Apr 2 2023 22:25
Montenegro’s long-time leader Milo Djukanovic admits defeat in Sunday’s presidential election. Former Economy Minister Jakov Milatovic takes over.
– Montenegro has made its choice. I respect that and congratulate Jakov Milatovic, says Djukanovic to his supporters on election night.
61-year-old Djukanovic has ruled Montenegro as president and prime minister for the past 33 years. Under his leadership, the country has defied Russia, become a member of NATO and is now also an applicant country for the EU.
37-year-old Jakov Milatovic also hopes for EU membership, but is also a supporter of establishing closer ties with Serbia.
Milatovic has won the presidential election with 60.1 percent of the vote, according to an incomplete forecast earlier Sunday evening.
The forecast from pollster CEMI gives incumbent President Milo Djukanovic 39.9 percent in the second and decisive round of voting.
The role of president is largely ceremonial in Montenegro, but the support around the candidates is seen as an indicator of the mood among the people before the national assembly elections are held on 11 June.
The president can nominate prime ministerial candidates, dissolve the national assembly and call new elections, and Sunday’s winner and his party will undoubtedly secure advantages in the election campaign.
