Montenegro Opposition Protest Demand Free Elections

Montenegro's main opposition alliance, the Democratic Front, has called for a new anti-government demonstration in Podgorica on Sunday, as a continuation of their protests in support of the demand for the "first ever fair and free" elections in Montenegro.

One of the Front's leaders, Andrija Mandic, called on other opposition parties to join the protest and demand the formation of a transitional government that will organize elections.

All opposition parties except for the Front in November agreed to crisis talks with the speaker of parliament, Ranko Krivokapic, on condition that elections are held under new electoral legislation by next autumn. The deadline for reaching an agreement is Monday.

"We expect an outcome on Monday and will congratulate those who have came up with a solution. But, if there is no agreement, I believe all our colleagues from the opposition will join us to put pressure to get the interim government," Mandic said on Friday.

The opposition claims that Montenegro has had no regular, fair elections for more than a decade, and that the country therefore has no legitimate authorities and no "legal" parliament.

Joined by several student and human rights organizations, the Front began 24-hour demonstrations in September, demanding the creation of an interim government and resignation of Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, who has held power since the early 1990s.

The protest first turned violent on October 17, when police fired tear gas to disband the crowds. More violence broke out on Saturday 24, after opposition MPs attempted to enter the parliament but were prevented from doing so by police.

During the clashes between protesters and police, three opposition MPs we arrested. Two have been...