Part 10 of 14
Electoral System and Political Parties of Montenegro
Proportional representation, multi-party system, minority rights
Montenegro's electoral system is one of the key elements of the democratic structure of this Balkan state. It determines the mechanisms for forming state power bodies and ensures the realisation of the principle of popular sovereignty enshrined in the Constitution. The political system is characterised by multi-partyism and dynamic development, reflecting the complex processes of socio-political transformation.
Constitutional Foundations and Key Parameters
The 2007 Constitution of Montenegro enshrines the fundamental principles of the electoral system: universal, equal and direct suffrage by secret ballot. The President of Montenegro is elected in direct general elections for a five-year term with a limit of two terms.
Presidential Elections
- • Direct general elections, secret ballot, 5-year term, no more than two terms
- • To win in the 1st round: more than 50% of votes with turnout exceeding 50% of registered voters
- • If there is no winner — a 2nd round (the two leaders from the 1st round)
- • Three-tier system of electoral commissions: State, municipal, precinct
Minority Representation Mechanism
Special rules apply to parties and coalitions of national minorities constituting no more than 15% of the total population: a reduced electoral threshold of 0.7%. All minority parties that receive more than 0.7% but less than 3% may collectively obtain a maximum of 3 seats in parliament.
If no Croatian minority list clears the 0.7% threshold, the list with the most votes receives one seat in the Skupština provided it receives more than 0.35% of the total votes. This provision guarantees representation of the Croatian minority in parliament regardless of its size.
Evolution of Political Parties
The successor to the League of Communists of Yugoslavia, renamed in 1991. Long remained the dominant force. The key moment — the 1997 split: the Socialist People's Party (SNP) broke away under Bulatović. After the split, the DPS under Đukanović became the main force advocating for Montenegro's independence and Euro-Atlantic integration.
Emerged in 1998 following the DPS split. Initially supported the Milošević regime. In 2001, old-guard politicians left the party, allowing the SNP to form a more modern political identity.
Founded in June 2022 by Jakov Milatović and Milojko Spajić. Quickly gained popularity by offering a pro-European but fresh alternative to traditional parties. In the presidential elections of March 2023, Jakov Milatović became President of Montenegro, defeating Milo Đukanović.
Turning Points in Electoral History
A turning point: the DPS lost power for the first time in 30 years. Despite 35.06% of the vote, it could not form a government as opposition forces united. The "For the Future of Montenegro" coalition — 32.55%, "Peace is Our Nation" — 12.53%. The first-ever government in independent Montenegro without DPS participation proved unstable: Krivokapić received a vote of no confidence (4 February 2022), the subsequent Abazović cabinet lasted only a few months.
The "Europe Now!" movement received the largest share of votes — ~26% (24 of 81 seats). In second place — the "Together!" — DPS coalition (21 seats), in third — "For the Future of Montenegro" (13 seats). On 31 October 2023, the Spajić government was confirmed by 46 votes.