Montenegro holds snap parliamentary election that might decide EU path

PODGORICA, Montenegro — Montenegro was holding an early parliamentary election Sunday, a vote that might put an finish to deep political divisions and years of instability which have hampered the small NATO-member nation on its path to becoming a member of the European Union.

Some 542,000 voters are eligible to decide on amongst 15 events and coalitions fielding candidates, starting from teams which are staunchly pro-Western to ones which are pro-Serbian and pro-Russian.

Unlike in earlier elections, when the focus of campaigning was whether or not the nation must be leaning towards the EU or nearer to Russia and Serbia, the economic system and dwelling requirements dominated the problems this time.

“Finally, we are deciding on the quality of life, rather than on the East or West,” Tanja Bojovic, 38, mentioned as she forged her poll within the Montenegrin capital, Podgorica. “I expect the victory of those who will lead us to a better life.”

The election is Montenegro’s first in additional than 30 years that doesn’t characteristic Milo Djukanovic, who served virtually constantly because the nation’s prime minister or president since 2001. He misplaced a presidential election in April and has taken a again seat in nationwide politics.

Polls and analysts predicted Europe Now, a newly fashioned centrist motion, was probably to be the highest vote-getter however with out sufficient seats within the 81-seat parliament to type a brand new authorities by itself.

PHOTOS: Montenegro holds snap parliamentary election that might decide EU path

President Jakov Milatovic, who belongs to the Europe Now motion, mentioned he hoped that “following the parliamentary elections, the new Assembly of Montenegro will reflect what is currently a new political reality in the country.”

The Democratic Party of Socialists, the get together previously led by Djukanovic, skilled a decline in recognition after three many years of dominance and has new management searching for an opportunity to make a comeback.

Also working had been candidates from the pro-Serb and pro-Russian Democratic Front, a celebration thought-about more likely to emerge as a kingmaker within the formation of a future coalition authorities.

Political analyst Ana Nenezic, govt director of the Centre for Monitoring and Research, mentioned the concentrate on the economic system “is beneficial for the society” however guarantees of wage hikes made by politicians “are not based on a real economy.”

She added that based mostly on the newest election forecasts, “I will be really surprised if we get a politically stable government.”

Djukanovic led Montenegro to independence from Serbia in 2006 and defied Russia to hitch NATO in 2017. An alliance dominated by events looking for nearer ties with Serbia and Russia ousted the Democratic Party of Socialists from energy within the earlier parliamentary elections, held in 2020.

The new ruling coalition, nonetheless, quickly plunged into disarray, which stalled Montenegro’s path towards the EU and created a political impasse. The authorities fell in a no-confidence vote final 12 months however remained in workplace for months due to the stalemate.

Montenegro, a picturesque Adriatic Sea nation of about 620,000 folks, was as soon as considered because the nation first in line to hitch the EU from the Western Balkans.

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Dusan Stojanovic contributed from Belgrade, Serbia