Montenegro Poll Re-Runs Leave Djukanovic Win Intact

Repeat polls were held in Danilovgrad, Kolasin and Bijelo Polje on Sunday due to reports of significant irregularities but the ruling Democratic Party of Socialists, DPS, remained the overall victor.

The DPS took the largest amount of seats in all three municipalities but only won an outright majority in Danilovgrad.

The ruling party said that the results of the vote confirmed its political dominance and the fact it “enjoys the greatest trust of the citizens of Montenegro”.

"As a responsible party, we will continue to create the conditions for dynamic economic and social development of all parts of Montenegro," the DPS said in a statement.

The Election Commission ordered the re-runs after complaints over election violations in the original polls on May 25 from local watchdog MANS and some opposition parties.

The local elections in 12 municipalities were marked by numerous irregularities at polling stations and on electoral rolls, including physical threats and attacks reported by watchdog groups and the opposition.

MANS reported more than 2,500 irregularities at polling stations but the Election Commission acknowledged just a few of them.

Another watchdog, the Centre for Democratic Transition, reported a series of abuses, including a violation of the secrecy of the vote and a violation of postal voting procedures.

After MANS submitted more than 130 criminal complaints, the Montenegrin state prosecutor’s office launched an investigation the allegations last week.