The Montenegrin presidential race moved into a decisive phase as Milo Djukanovic and Jakov Milatovic emerged as the top contenders after the first round. Both are pro-European voices, and their performance has set the tone for a tightly watched second round, scheduled for April 2. The winner will become Montenegro’s next head of state as the country continues its path toward NATO membership and EU accession talks.
Djukanovic, long a dominant figure in Montenegrin politics and the leader of the Democratic Party of Socialists, secured the most votes in the first round. Early tallies, based on a completion rate of around 98.5 percent and monitored by the non-governmental watchdog CeMI, with additional confirmation from RTCG, place him at about 35.3 percent. Milatovic, who once served as economy minister and is known for his Western-oriented economic approach, trails with roughly 29.2 percent according to the same estimates. This margin signals a two-man contest that will hinge on turnout, coalition dynamics, and voter sentiment heading into the crucial April runoff.
Djukanovic framed the initial results as evidence of broad support for a policy agenda he described as modern and euro-leaning. He indicated that the outcome provides a solid platform for the forthcoming parliamentary elections, which are set for June 11, and he emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum toward European integration and Euro-Atlantic alignment.
Analysts note that the presidential vote occurred amid a broader political crisis in Montenegro that has already unsettled government formation in recent years. Still, the results underscore the strength of the two main camps behind Djukanovic and Milatovic, with both candidates projecting a clear path toward shaping the next parliament as well as steering the country toward closer European and transatlantic ties. One public interpretation is that the first round captured a desire for stability and reform during a period of political volatility.
Djukanovic’s own statement highlighted a vision for a future Montenegro that remains embedded in European structures and institutions. He spoke of a transition that would reinforce the country’s democratic institutions and lay the groundwork for a durable, pro-European political consensus in the new parliament. Milatovic, who is 37 and previously led government economic policy, has positioned himself as a reformist alternative with a conciliatory approach that could attract partners who previously opposed the DPS coalition—partners who had aligned against it in the past but may now feel compelled to join a broader pro-European coalition to counterbalance the current government bloc.
In a notable development, Andrija Mandic, the candidate from the pro-Serbian and pro-Russian Democratic Front, who finished third with around 19 percent, signaled support for Milatovic in the second round. This move, along with possible support from centrist parties like European Democratic Montenegro, could prove decisive in the runoff. Milatovic reacted to the results by framing the second round as a step toward restoring confidence among citizens and delivering a European future through a revamped political leadership on the Montenegrin stage.
With roughly 540,000 eligible voters, the first round marked another conspicuous event in Montenegro’s evolving political landscape since the country gained independence in 2006. The series of government changes since 2020 has underscored persistent political volatility, even as the electorate continues to respond to competing visions for Montenegro’s future. Djukanovic, at 61, has been a central figure for more than three decades, holding multiple terms as prime minister and serving as president in one of his terms. He is often described as the architect of Montenegro’s move toward independence and Euro-Atlantic integration, even as critics contend his tenure reflects strong centralized leadership. Supporters view him as a steady custodian of continuity in a rapidly changing region, while opponents see a figure whose long tenure raises questions about renewal.
The second round will test the resolve of a diverse set of political forces: pro-European, pro-Russian, and those advocating for reform and greater transparency. Djukanovic’s coalition will likely need to broaden its appeal beyond its traditional base to withstand an election that could realign the country’s governing framework. Milatovic’s campaign has emphasized pragmatic policies and a European orientation that could attract voters seeking fresh leadership and a more open approach to regional cooperation. The outcome will influence not only Montenegro’s domestic policy but also its position on security, economic reform, and the pace of integration with Western institutions.
As the nation moves closer to the runoff, citizens and observers alike are watching how the two frontrunners will build coalitions, shape policy priorities, and navigate the expectations of a public eager for stability and a credible path toward European membership. The April 2 vote stands as a pivotal moment for Montenegro, with implications that extend beyond its borders into regional diplomacy and the broader conversation about European integration in the Western Balkans.
Djukanovic’s long tenure has left a layered legacy: credit from supporters for steering the country toward EU and NATO alignment, and ongoing criticism from opponents who question democratic norms and governance. Milatovic’s ascent represents a generational shift and a pledge to continue reforms that some voters believe have stalled under previous administrations. The nation awaits the decisive turnout that will determine which trajectory will guide Montenegro through the next chapter of its political and economic development, with Europe and the Atlantic alliance playing an enduring role in its future.
(CeMI) (RTCG) (NATO) (EU) (Montenegro political landscape)