Presidential elections in Montenegro

On April 27, 2023, we organized the fourth online webinar this year with our Young Leaders‘ Programme members. The discussion focused on presidential elections in Montenegro – especially at the „end of the era“ of Milo Djukanović.

Former Montenegrin Economy Minister – Jakov Milatovic,  has become Montenegro’s new president, defeating long-serving incumbent Milo Djukanovic, ending his rule that lasted more than three decades. Western-educated Milatovic, the deputy head of the Europe Now movement, campaigned on pledges to curb graft, improve living standards and bolster ties with the European Union and fellow former Yugoslav republic Serbia.

Djukanovic, a former communist, has dominated Montenegro as president or prime minister for 33 years since the start of the collapse of the now-defunct six-republic Yugoslav federation. He conceded defeat to Milatovic.

Milatovic won 60.1% to Djukanovic’s 39.9%, the Podgorica-based Center for Monitoring and Research (CEMI) pollster said on the basis of results tabulated from a statistical sample of votes cast.

Voter turnout stood at about 70%, CEMI said.