(ANSA-AFP) - TRIESTE, 19 MAR - After he voted in the capital
Podgorica, 61-year-old Djukanovic told reporters he was
confident of winning. He said the elections were an "opportunity
for Montenegro to confirm its capability of living in political
and social stability ... and reaching its goal of becoming part
of the family of European states and people". Djukanovic remains
the heavy favourite but will likely face stiff competition from
the pro-Russian Democratic Front's Andrija Mandic, Jakov
Milatovic -- a young economist from the increasingly popular
Europe Now Movement -- and the leader of the centre-right
Democrats Aleksa Becic.
"These elections will also determine whether Montenegro
remains within the framework of foreign policy priorities
established so far or whether they change under Russian-Serbian
influence," political analyst Daliborka Uljarevic told AFP.
Under the leadership of Djukanovic and his party, Montenegro
joined NATO, kick-started the negotiating process for EU
membership and moved away from Russia's influence. However, his
party's rule has been plagued by allegations of widespread
corruption and links to organised crime, which Djukanovic
strongly denies. Since the 2020 parliamentary elections -- which
saw DPS's grip on power weaken after taking a beating at the
polls -- the country has pivoted from crisis to crisis. The
prolonged political dysfunction has left many in the country of
620,000 people disillusioned with the upcoming election.
Bojan, a pensioner who did not want to give his family name,
said he would not vote as he was "deeply disappointed" by the
choice of candidates. Ivan Ivanovic however expects "some
changes" but told AFP it remains to be seen "whether they will
be good for people ... or will they (politicians) stop at empty
promises again, like in every election year". NGOs were to
release first projections of the results late Sunday while the
electoral commission is to announce preliminary results on
Monday. str-ds/ljv/ea
/ (ANSA-AFP).
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Montenegro: Djukanovic confindent of winning
We will become part of the family of European states and people