Montenegro’s ruling party seemed assured of retaining power yesterday after exit polls indicated it took some 46 per cent of the vote in an election, more than twice its nearest rival.
That would mean the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) extends its 20-year grip on power as the former Yugoslav republic tries to join the EU. Party leader Milo Djukanovic may return as prime minister, a post he has held three times before.
Exit polls put the opposition Democratic Front alliance a distant second on 20 per cent.
The DPS remains popular, despite economic troubles and corruption complaints, for having pushed for autonomy from Serbia six years ago.
Should it secure less than 50 per cent, the party will need support from ethnic minority representatives in the 81-seat parliament to form a government. – (Reuters)