The deadline to form a government ends at midnight. Former diplomat Lekic failed to win a majority. Now there are new elections – but only after the presidential elections.
Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic has dissolved parliament by decree, paving the way for early elections. The announcement was made by the President’s Office in Podgorica on Thursday. The pro-Western head of state took the step after the pro-Serb majority in parliament failed to rally behind former diplomat Miodrag Lekic.
Dritan Abazovic’s pro-Serb government has been in office for more than six months after parliament voted against it. Abazovic’s small URA party now refused to support Lekic, which is why his election failed.
Pro-Serbs have a narrow majority of 41 out of 81 deputies, including four URA representatives. The now dissolved parliament was elected in August 2020. According to the constitution, parliamentary elections must be held in 60 to 100 days.
presidential election this sunday
Before that, however, there will be regular presidential elections next Sunday. Djukanovic is running for a second consecutive term. Several pro-Serb and pro-Western candidates are running alongside him. At least 50 percent of the votes are required for victory, which must not fall to either candidate. On April 2, there will likely be a runoff between the top two.
(APA)