Jakov Milatovic, an economist with an Oxford education, has declared victory over Milo Djukanovic. He pledged to eradicate corruption and guide the nation toward EU membership. In the country’s presidential election runoff on Sunday, longtime leader Milo Djukanovic conceded loss to young economist and political rookie Jakov Milatovic.

Jakov Milatovic, 36, ran a drive to eradicate corruption and have his nation accepted into the European Union.

How citizens voted

According to predictions made public by the Center for Monitoring and Research, Milatovic won almost 60% of the vote on Sunday, while Djukanovic, 61, received about 40%.

On Monday, official results were anticipated; nevertheless, both politicians acknowledged that the margin was too large for it to change.

Attendance was close to 70%. In the first round of elections, which were held last month, Milo Djukanovic and Jakov Milatovic came in first and second, respectively.
Milatovic praises the “historic” victory

Milatovic described the triumph as “historic” and the “night we waited for the previous 30 years” in his victory speech.

Milatovic will hold office for a period of five years. The economy, European integration, and the rule of law are crucial issues that need to be addressed, he said.

He declared, “We are moving decisively into the future and leaving the past behind.”

Following the fall of the initial administration that was formed as a result of the 2020 parliamentary elections, Milatovic founded the “Europe Now!” movement.
recognizable face on the political scene

Djukanovic has held office for 32 years, making him probably Europe’s longest-serving politician. He has held the positions of president and prime minister several times.

He assumed office as Montenegro’s prime minister in 1991, the year when voters there voted to keep Serbia and the rest of Yugoslavia together.

After Montenegro proclaimed its independence in June 2006 following an independence referendum, Djukanovic served as prime minister.

Afterwards, he resisted Russia, a Slavic ally, and pushed for Montenegro’s admission to NATO. The nation is still trying to get into the EU.

Why does the vote matter?

Milatovic’s “Europe Now!” movement may now find itself in a position to control the upcoming administration, which will be formed following a parliamentary vote on June 11. Milatovic won the vote.

Despite the fact that the presidency in Montenegro primarily serves as a ceremonial position, the vote is significant since it may indicate a political shake-up before the vote.

Djukanovic stated on Sunday, “Montenegro has chosen, and I respect that choice. I wished the incoming president to be worthy of the confidence he was given. “Elections are sometimes won — we won for a very long time — sometimes you lose,” he said.

On March 19, Djukanovic earned 35.7 percent of the vote, while Milatovic received 28.9 percent, in the first round of voting.

In the second round, several candidates endorsed Milatovic. Aleksa Becic of the Democratic Party of Montenegro, Andrija Mandic of the ruling Democratic Front, and outgoing Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic all vowed to back Milatovic. Mandic received 19.3% of the votes, while Becic received 11.1% in the first round.

This election was the fourth after Montenegro reclaimed its independence in 2006 and the eleventh since the fall of communism in 1990.