Montenegro

This article is part of the series: Politics and government of Montenegro This article is about the country in Europe. ... Image File history File links Coat_of_arms_of_Montenegro. ... Politics of Montenegro will undergo rapid change since its independence. ...

Constitution President Filip Vujanović Government Prime Minister Željko Šturanović Cabinet Parliament Political parties Elections and referendums Parliamentary: 2002 | 2006 Referendums: 1992 | 2006 Foreign relations Municipalities

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First page of Pobjeda, May 22, 2006.

The Montenegrin independence referendum was a refe­rendum on the independence of the Republic of Montenegro from the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro that was held on 21 May 2006. The President of Montenegro is the head of state of the Republic of Montenegro. ... Filip Vujanović (Serbian Cyrillic: Филип Вујановић) (born September 1, 1954 in Belgrade, Serbia, Federal Peoples Republic of Yugoslavia) is a politician who since 2003 has served as the President of Montenegro, and is the first president of the worlds newest country from May 2006. ... Prime Minister of Montenegro, full title: Predsjednik Vlade Republike Crne Gore (President of the Government of the Republic of Montenegro) is the leader of the Government of Montenegro. ... Željko Å turanović Željko Å turanović (Serbian: , born 31 January 1960 in NikÅ¡ić, Peoples Republic of Montenegro, Federal Peoples Republic of Yugoslavia) is a politician and likely the new Prime Minister of Montenegro. ... The current Government of the Republic of Montenegro was founded in 2003? or possibly earlier or later. ... The Parliament of the Republic of Montenegro (Serbian: SkupÅ¡tina Republike Crne Gore) is the legislature of Montenegro. ... This article lists political parties in Montenegro. ... Montenegro elects on national level a legislature. ...   Categories: | ... The first elections in the newly independent Republic of Montenegro took place on September 10, 2006, with Prime Minister Milo Đukanović claiming absolute victory for his centre left, pro-European Union party the next day. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... In a referendum on May 21, 2006, the people of Montenegro opted to leave the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. ... ... Information on politics by country is available for every country, including both de jure and de facto independent states, inhabited dependent territories, as well as areas of special sovereignty. ... Image File history File linksMetadata CG-Pobjeda. ... Image File history File linksMetadata CG-Pobjeda. ... Pobjeda (Serbian Cyrillic: Пoбjeдa, English: Victory) (MNSE: NIPO) is a Montenegrin newspaper. ... is the 142nd day of the year (143rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Elections Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box:      A referendum (plural: referendums or referenda) or plebiscite (from Latin plebiscita, originally a decree of the Concilium Plebis) is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal. ... This article is about the country in Europe. ... Serbia and Montenegro  â€“ Serbia    â€“ Kosovo and Metohia        (UN administration)    â€“ Vojvodina  â€“ Montenegro Official language Serbian language written in Cyrillic alphabet Capital Belgrade President Svetozar Marović Area  â€“ Total  â€“ % water Ranked 105th  102,350 km²  0. ... is the 141st day of the year (142nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

The total turnout of the referendum was 86.5%. 55.5 percent voted in favour and 44.5 were against breaking the state union with Serbia.^[1] Fifty-five percent of affirmative votes were needed to dissolve the state union of Serbia and Montenegro, an option favored by the coalition government (DPS and SDP). Not to be confused with Republika Srpska. ... A coalition government, or coalition cabinet, is a cabinet in parliamentary government in which several parties cooperate. ... The Democratic Party of Socialists of Montenegro (Serbian/Montenegrin: Демократска Партија Социјалиста Црне Горе / Demokratska Partija Socijalista Crne Gore) is a political party in Montenegro. ... The Social Democratic Party of Montenegro (Socijaldemokratska Partija Crne Gore) is a political party in Montenegro. ...

By 23 May, preliminary referendum results were recognized by all five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, indicating widespread international recognition of Montenegro once independence would be formally declared. is the 143rd day of the year (144th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... “Security Council” redirects here. ...

Montenegro's referendum commission^[2] on Wednesday 31 May, officially confirmed^[3] the results of the independence referendum, verifying that 55.5% of the population of Montenegrin voters had voted in favor of independence. Because voters met the controversial threshold requirement of 55% approval set by the EU, the referendum was incorporated into a declaration of independence during a special parliamentary session on 31 May. The Assembly of the Republic of Montenegro made a formal Declaration of Independence on Saturday 3 June.^[4] is the 151st day of the year (152nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 151st day of the year (152nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Parliament of the Republic of Montenegro (Serbian: Skupština Republike Crne Gore) is the legislature of Montenegro. ... is the 154th day of the year (155th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

In response to the announcement, the government of Serbia declared^[5] itself the legal and political successor of Serbia and Montenegro, and that the government and parliament of Serbia itself will soon adopt a new constitution.^[6] The European Union, the United States, the People's Republic of China, Russia, and neighbouring Croatia all expressed their intentions to respect the referendum results. Not to be confused with Republika Srpska. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Succession of states. ...

Constitutional background

The process of secession was regulated by the Constitutional Charter of Serbia and Montenegro adopted on 4 February 2003 by both Councils of the Federal Assembly of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, in accordance to the 2002 Belgrade Agreement between the governments of the two constitutive republics of then's Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Montenegro and Serbia. Article 60 of the constitution required that a minimum of three years pass after its ratification before one of the member states could declare independence. The same article specified the referendum as necessary for this move. However, this constitution allowed member states to define their own referendum laws. The Constitutional Charter of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro came into force on 4 February 2003, and united Serbia and Montenegro under one government, replacing the earlier Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. ... is the 35th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Capital Belgrade Language(s) Serbian Government Republic President  - 1992 - 1993 Dobrica Ćosić  - 1993 - 1997 Zoran Lilić  - 1997 – 2000 Slobodan MiloÅ¡ević  - 2000 - 2003 Vojislav KoÅ¡tunica Prime Minister  - 1992 - 1993 Milan Panić  - 1993 - 1998 Radoje Kontić  - 1998 - 2000 Momir Bulatović  - 2000 - 2001 Zoran Žižić  - 2001 - 2003 DragiÅ¡a Pe...

It is also specified that the member state which secedes forfeits any rights to political and legal continuity of the federation. This means that the seceding state (in this case the Republic of Montenegro) had to apply for membership to all major international institutions, such as the United Nations and be recognized by the international community, and that the Republic of Serbia became the full successor to the state union. No state objected to recognizing a newly formed state prior to the referendum. It has been suggested that Successor state be merged into this article or section. ... UN and U.N. redirect here. ... Serbia and Montenegro  -Serbia    -Kosovo and Metohia    -Vojvodina  -Montenegro Official language Serbian1 Capital Belgrade Area  - Total  - % water 88,361 km² n/a Population  - Total (1998)  - Density 11,206,847 126. ...

Legal procedure

Before the referendum

According to the Montenegrin Constitution,^[7] state status cannot be changed without a referendum and the President of the state proposes a referendum to the Parliament. The referendum bill was introduced by the president of Montenegro, Filip Vujanović, and it was unanimously passed by the Montenegrin Parliament on 2 March 2006.^[8] The Constitution of Montenegro was approved by Montenegros Parliament on October 12, 1992. ... Filip Vujanović (Serbian Cyrillic: Филип Вујановић) (born September 1, 1954 in Belgrade, Serbia, Federal Peoples Republic of Yugoslavia) is a politician who since 2003 has served as the President of Montenegro, and is the first president of the worlds newest country from May 2006. ... is the 61st day of the year (62nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

After the referendum

The Referendum Bill obliges the Parliament, which introduced the referendum, to respect its outcome. It had to declare the official results within 15 days following the voting day, and act upon them within 60 days.

Changes to the Montenegrin Constitution, which involved changes of the state status, required dissolving the Parliament when the bill is passed, and convocation of the new one within 90 days. The new Parliament had to adopt, with a two third majority, such changes to the Constitution, or draft a new Constitution..

The newly-independent country of Serbia, which is the successor state to the state union of Serbia and Montenegro, while favouring a loose federation, has stated publicly that it would respect the outcome of the referendum, and not interfere with Montenegrin sovereignty. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Succession of states. ...

Referendum rules controversies

There has been considerable controversy over suffrage and needed result threshold for independence. Montenegrin government, which supported the independence, initially advocated a simple majority, but the opposition insisted on a certain threshold below which the referendum, if a "yes" option won, would have been moot. Elections Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box:      A referendum (plural: referendums or referenda) or plebiscite (from Latin plebiscita, originally a decree of the Concilium Plebis) is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal. ...

European Union envoy Miroslav Lajčák proposed independence if a 55% supermajority of votes are cast in favor with a minimum turnout of 50%, a determination that prompted some protests from the pro-independence forces. The Council of the European Union unanimously agreed to Lajčák's proposal, and the Đukanović government ultimately backed down in its opposition.^[9] Milo Đukanović, Prime Minister of Montenegro, however, promised that he would declare the independence if the votes passed 50%, regardless of whether the census was passed or not. On the other hand, he also announced that if less than 50% voted for the independence option, he would resign from all political positions.^[10] The original pursue of the Milo Đukanović and the DPS-SDP was that 40% was a sufficient majority to declare independence, but this caused severe international outrage before the Independists proposed 50%. Envoy may refer to: a diplomat Envoy (WordPerfect), a document reader and document file format GMC Envoy, a make of automobile The Envoy, a 1982 album by Warren Zevon The Call Sign For United Kingdom Airline Flyjet Category: ... Miroslav Lajčák (20 March 1963 in Poprad) is a Slovak diplomat. ... A supermajority or a qualified majority is a requirement for a proposal to gain a specified level or type of support which exceeds a simple majority in order to have effect. ... Established 1952 Presiding Country Portugal President Luís Amado President in Office José Sócrates Members 27 (at one time) Political parties 7, including: European Peoples Party Party of European Socialists Meeting place Justus Lipsius, Brussels, Belgium, European Union Web site http://www. ... Milo Đukanović   (Serbian Cyrillic: Мило Ђукановић) (born 15 February 1962 in NikÅ¡ić, Montenegro, Yugoslavia) is a former four mandate Prime Minister (1991 - 1992, 1992-1996, 1996-1998 and 2003 - 2006), president (1998 - 2002) of the Republic of Montenegro and an alleged Criminal Tycoon. ... A prime minister is the most senior minister of cabinet in the executive branch of government in a parliamentary system. ...

Another controversial issue was the referendum law, which relied on the constitution of Serbia and Montenegro, which, again, stated that Montenegrins living within Serbia that are voters in Serbia would not be allowed to vote in the referendum because that would give them two votes in the union and make them superior to other citizens. Also, the agreement threshold between the two blocs for 55%, was somewhat criticized as overriding the traditional practice of requiring a two-third super-majority, as practiced in all ex Yugoslav countries before (including the previous referendum in Montenegro). Montenegrins (Serbian/Montenegrin: Црногорци/Crnogorci) are a South Slavic people who are primarily associated with the Republic of Montenegro. ... A supermajority or a qualified majority is a requirement for a proposal to gain a specified level or type of support which exceeds a simple majority in order to have effect. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

Referendum question

Želite li da Republika Crna Gora bude nezavisna država sa punim međunarodno-pravnim subjektivitetom (as it appeared on the ballot)^[11]

Желите ли да Република Црна Гора буде независна држава са пуним међународно-правним субјективитетом (translation from Latin script above to Cyrillic script)

Do you want the Republic of Montenegro to be an independent state with a full international and legal personality (as translated by OSCE^[12])

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is an international organization for security. ...

Alleged irregularities during the campaign

On 24 March 2006, a nine-minute video clip was aired that shows two local DPS activists from Zeta region, Ranko Vučinić and Ivan Ivanović, along with a former member of secret police, Vasilije Mijović, attempting to bribe a citizen, Mašan Bušković, into casting a pro-independence vote at the upcoming referendum. In the video clip they're seen and heard persuading Bušković to vote for the independence, and they promise to pay off his electric bill of €1,500 in return. is the 83rd day of the year (84th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Democratic Party of Socialists of Montenegro (Serbian/Montenegrin: Демократска Партија Социјалиста Црне Горе / Demokratska Partija Socijalista Crne Gore) is a political party in Montenegro. ...

When the video became public, two DPS activists claimed they were victims of manipulation and that Vasilije Mijović talked them into doing so. Mijović denied those claims saying the video had been authentic. DPS spokesperson Predrag Sekulić claimed the video was "a montage" and "a cheap political setup." Mašan Bušković, the target of the alleged attempted bribe, on the other hand said the video is authentic and that it portrays events exactly as they occurred.^[13]

Opinion polling

Polling throughout the campaign was sporadic, with most polls showing pro-independence forces leading but not surpassing the 55% threshold. Only in the later weeks did polls begin to indicate the threshold would be passed, albeit barely.^[14]

Blocs

Independence

• Democratic Party of Socialists of Montenegro
• Socialdemocratic Party of Montenegro
• Civic Party of Montenegro
• Liberal Party of Montenegro
• People's Concord of Montenegro
• Democratic Union of Albanians
• Bosniak Party
• Croatian Civic Initiative

A controversy emerged in the Independentist Bloc, as non-governmental organizations had officially joined and campaigned as its members, which was illegal, thus breaking the Law: The Democratic Party of Socialists of Montenegro (Serbian/Montenegrin: Демократска Партија Социјалиста Црне Горе / Demokratska Partija Socijalista Crne Gore) is a political party in Montenegro. ... The Socialdemocratic Party of Montenegro (Serbian/Montenegrin: Socijaldemokratska Partija Crne Gore) is a political party in Montenegro. ... The Civic Party of Montenegro (Gradanska Partija Crne Gore) is a political party in Montenegro. ... The Liberal Party of Montenegro (Liberalna Partija Crne Gore, LPCG) is a liberal political party in Montenegro. ... Peoples Concord of Montenegro or National Unity of Montenegro (Serbian: Народна слога Црне Горе, NSCG) is a de facto inactive political party in the Republic of Montenegro. ... The Democratic Union of Albanians (Demokratska Unija Albanaca) is an Albanian minority political party in Montenegro. ... The Bosniak Party of Montenegro (Bosnian and Serbian: Bošnjačka Stranka Crne Gore) is a Bosniak minority political party in Montenegro. ... The Croatian Civic Initiative (Croatian: Hrvatska građanska inicijativa, HGI) is a Croat minority political party in Montenegro. ... For other uses, see Law (disambiguation). ...

• Movement for Independent European Montenegro
• Civic Forum Nikšić
• Democratic Community of Muslims Bosniacs in Montenegro.

The Sovereignist Camp concentrated on history and national minority rights. Montenegro was recognized an independent country on the 1878 Congress of Berlin. Its independence was extinguished in 1918 when its assembly declared union with Serbia. The minor ethnic groups are promised full rights in an independent Montenegro, with their languages being included into the new Constitution. 1878 (MDCCCLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... The Congress of Berlin (June 13 - July 13, 1878) was a meeting of the European Great Powers and the Ottoman Empires leading statesmen in Berlin in 1878. ... 1918 (MCMXVIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar (see link for calendar) or a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar. ... Not to be confused with Republika Srpska. ...

The camp's leader was Montenegro's controversial national leader Milo Đukanović. Milo Đukanović   (Serbian Cyrillic: Мило Ђукановић) (born 15 February 1962 in NikÅ¡ić, Montenegro, Yugoslavia) is a former four mandate Prime Minister (1991 - 1992, 1992-1996, 1996-1998 and 2003 - 2006), president (1998 - 2002) of the Republic of Montenegro and an alleged Criminal Tycoon. ...

Union

Union supporters at a rally

Union political poster

• Socialist People's Party of Montenegro
• People's Party
• Democratic Serbian Party
• Serbian People's Party

The Unionists' Logo was Montenegro is Not for Sale! and For Love - Love Connects, Heart says NO!. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 420 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (826 × 1179 pixel, file size: 115 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Political Poster of the Unionist Camp in the Montenegrin independence referendum, 2006. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 420 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (826 × 1179 pixel, file size: 115 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Political Poster of the Unionist Camp in the Montenegrin independence referendum, 2006. ... The Socialist Peoples Party of Montenegro is a political party in Montenegro. ... The Peoples Party (Narodna Stranka) is a conservative party in Montenegro. ... The Democratic Serb Party (Serbian: Демократска српска странка, Demokratska srpska stranka) or DSS is a Serbian political party in Montenegro. ... The Serb Peoples Party of Montenegro (Serbian: Српска народна странка Црне Горе/Srpska narodna stranka Crne Gore or SNS) is the opposition party with the most representatives in the Parliament of Montenegro. ...

The Unionist Camp or "Bloc for Love", Together for Change political alliance's campaign relied mostly on assertion and support of the European Union, pointing out essential present as well as historical links with Serbia. They criticized that the ruling coalition is trying to turn Montenegro into a private state, a crime haven. It's campaign concentrated on pointing out "love" for union with Serbia. 73% of Montenegrin citizens has close cousins in Serbia and 78% of Montenegrin citizens has close friends in Serbia. According to TNS Medium GALLUP's research, 56.9% of the Montenegrin population believed if union with Serbia is broken health care would fall apart. 56.8% believed they wouldn't be able to go to schools in Serbia anymore and 65.3% thought it won't be able to find a job in Serbia as it intends to. Together for Change (Zajedno za Promjene) is a political alliance in Montenegro. ... Not to be confused with Republika Srpska. ...

They used European Union flags, Slavic tricolors (which were also the official flag of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro) and Serb Orthodox tricolors. Slavic and Slavonic are used interchangably in English, with the former perferred in US English, and the latter in English. ... Flag of the Serbian Orthodox Church Unknown flag, seen offten in public. ...

The key camp's leader was opposition leader Predrag Bulatović. Predrag Bulatović (in Serbian:Предраг Булатовић) is a president of Socialist Peoples Party of Montenegro (Socijalistička narodna partija Crne Gore) and he has been a leader of Unionist block in Montenegro Independence Referendum on 21 May 2006. ...

Neutral

The Movement for Changes, although de facto supporting independence, decided not to join the pro-independence coalition, on the arguments that the independists are largely made of DPS criminals, and that the bloc is an "Unholy Alliance" gathered around a controversial Prime Minister Milo Đukanović, seen by these party officials as an obstacle to the complete democracy in Montenegro. The PzP was in reality closely cooperating and in general supporter of the Unionist Bloc. Movement for Changes (Serbian: Pokret za Promjene, or PzP) is a political party in Montenegro which seeks to integrate their country into the European Union and supports political and economic reforms to bring it into line with European norms. ... Milo Đukanović   (Serbian Cyrillic: Мило Ђукановић) (born 15 February 1962 in NikÅ¡ić, Montenegro, Yugoslavia) is a former four mandate Prime Minister (1991 - 1992, 1992-1996, 1996-1998 and 2003 - 2006), president (1998 - 2002) of the Republic of Montenegro and an alleged Criminal Tycoon. ...

A similar thing was from the ethnic Albanian Democratic League in Montenegro, which called the Albanians to boycott the referendum. The Democratic League in Montenegro (Demokratski Savez u Crnoj Gori) is an Albanian minority political party in Montenegro. ...

Results

According to the first estimates at 21:00 (CET), when the voting stations closed, 86.5% of eligible voters – or 419,240 voters (404,840 in and 14,400 outside voting places) out of 484,718 eligible (in 1,124 voting areas) – voted, local NGO organisations monitoring the referendum said.^[15] 3,577 (0.85% or 0.74% of the electorate) votes were found invalid, so declared 415,663 (99.15%) were published as the final valid turnout (85.75%).

Two organisations that were conducting a Quick Count, Montenegrin CDT and Serbian CeSID, had different projections of the referendum results. Quick Count is a method for verification of election results by projecting them from a sample of the polling stations. ...

CeSID's initial projections were giving YES option significant advantage, but as the evening progressed, they were correcting their projection and lowering advantage of the YES option. This caused serious confusion among general public and sparked journalists to challenge CeSID projections. After CeSID's announcement, thousands of people began to celebrate in the streets of every major city.^[16] However, after the CDT announcement, the public began to realize how close the result was.

CDT stated that the results were too close to call. This was later confirmed with the official results, since only about 2,000 votes were over the required threshold (the votes of some 2 or 3 polling stations). They urged the public to remain calm and give time to the referendum commission to finish their job.^[17]

Supporters for independence

Montenegrin prime minister Milo Đukanović first delayed his appearance in public, after learning how close the result was. He finally appeared on Montenegrin television at about 01:40 CEST and said that after 99.85% of the votes had been counted, the percentage of votes for independence was 55.5%, and the remaining votes (6,236) could not change the outcome of the referendum.^[18] Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Milo Đukanović   (Serbian Cyrillic: Мило Ђукановић) (born 15 February 1962 in NikÅ¡ić, Montenegro, Yugoslavia) is a former four mandate Prime Minister (1991 - 1992, 1992-1996, 1996-1998 and 2003 - 2006), president (1998 - 2002) of the Republic of Montenegro and an alleged Criminal Tycoon. ... In computer science, the code generation is a compilation stage that outputs machine code in the target language. ... Central European Summer Time (CEST) is one of the names of UTC+2 time zone, 2 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time. ...

"Montenegro is not for sale": Logo of the Unionist (Opposition) Bloc

On the other side, de facto leader of the unionist bloc Predrag Bulatović said at a press conference around 00:15 CEST that "his sources" informed him that 54% had voted "yes", a figure below the 55% threshold. Predrag Bulatović had announced earlier that he would resign as opposition leader if the referendum was won by those favouring independence. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Predrag Bulatović (in Serbian:Предраг Булатовић) is a president of Socialist Peoples Party of Montenegro (Socijalistička narodna partija Crne Gore) and he has been a leader of Unionist block in Montenegro Independence Referendum on 21 May 2006. ... Central European Summer Time (CEST) is one of the names of UTC+2 time zone, 2 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time. ...

František Lipka, the referendum commission president or Chairman of the Electoral Commission announced on Monday the 22 May 2006 that the preliminary results were 55.4% in favor of independence.^[19] Prime Minister of the Republic of Montenegro Milo Đukanović held a press conference later that day. The press conference took place at 14:30, at the Congress Hall of the Government of the Republic of Montenegro.^[20] is the 142nd day of the year (143rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Referendum results; red municipalities returned a majority vote for independence, blue municipalities returned a majority vote for union.

Due to the fact that about 19,000 votes were still disputed, the Electoral Commission delayed the announcement of final results. The opposition demanded a full recount of the votes but this was rejected by the Commission and European observers, who stated that they were satisfied and they were sure that the votehad been free and fair.^[21] On 23 May 2006, the Electoral Commission released the final results which stated that 230,661 (55.02% of those who voted, 55.49% of the valid votes; 47.59% of the electorate) Montenegrins had voted for independence, while 185.002 (44.13% of those who voted, 44.51% of the valid votes; 38.17% of the electorate) voted against. The turnout was 86.49% of registered voters (85.75% valid).^[22] Image File history File links Size of this preview: 491 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (1092 × 1333 pixel, file size: 25 KB, MIME type: image/png) This image shows the results of the Montenegrin independence referendum, 2006, with red municipalities having returned a majority for independence, and blue municipalities having returned a... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 491 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (1092 × 1333 pixel, file size: 25 KB, MIME type: image/png) This image shows the results of the Montenegrin independence referendum, 2006, with red municipalities having returned a majority for independence, and blue municipalities having returned a... is the 143rd day of the year (144th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Montenegrins (Serbian/Montenegrin: Црногорци/Crnogorci) are a South Slavic people who are primarily associated with the Republic of Montenegro. ...

The distribution of votes was as follows: majority (around 60%-up to around 70%) were against independence in regions bordering Serbia and Republika Srpska. The highest No vote was in Serb-majority Plužine municipality with 75.70%. In the authentic Montenegrin regions (former Principality of Montenegro), there was a light majority (around 50-60%) for independence, with the Cetinje municipality, traditional centre of old Montenegro, having a huge percentage in favour of independence (over 86.38%). At the coastal regions, Herceg Novi municipality, which has a Serb majority had voted 61.34% against independence, the middle southern region(Tivat, Kotor, Budva and Bar) being in favour of independence, and the south, Ulcinj municipality, an ethnic Albanian centre, voted strongly in favour of independence (88.50%). The regions bordering Albania and Kosovo that have mostly Bosniak, Muslim and Albanian population, were heavily in favour of independence (78.92% in Plav, 91.33% in Rožaje). Municipalities in Montenegro that voted for the Union were Andrijevica, Berane, Kolašin, Mojkovac, Plužine, Pljevlja, Herceg-Novi, Šavnik, and Žabljak. The municipalities that voted for independence were Bar, Bijelo Polje, Budva, Cetinje, Danilovgrad, Kotor, Nikšić, Plav, Podgorica, Rožaje, Tivat, and Ulcinj.^[23] Not to be confused with Republika Srpska. ... Not to be confused with Serbia. ... Mayor Municipality area 858 km² Population  - city  - municipality Time zone Summer Time CET (UTC +1) CEST (UTC +2) Founded 14th Century Latitude Longitude Area code +381 Car plates Official website:[1] Plužine (Плужине) is a town and municipality in Montenegro, Serbia and Montenegro. ... The history of Montenegro begins in the early Middle Ages, after the arrival of the Slavs into that part of the former Roman province of Dalmatia that forms present-day Montenegro. ... Coordinates Mayor Milovan Janković (DPS - SDP) Municipality area 910 km² Population (2003 census)  - city  - municipality  - density 15,137 18,482 20. ... Municipalities of Montenegro Montenegro has 21 municipalities (opÅ¡tina): Municipality of Andrijevica Municipality of Bar Municipality of Berane Municipality of Bijelo Polje Municipality of Budva Municipality of Cetinje Municipality of Danilovgrad Municipality of Herceg Novi Municipality of KolaÅ¡in Municipality of Kotor Municipality of Mojkovac Municipality of NikÅ¡ić Municipality... Coordinates Mayor Dejan Mandić Municipality area 235 km² Population  - city  - municipality 12,739 33,034 Time zone  - Standard  - Summer (DST) CET (UTC+1) CEST (UTC+2) Founded 1382 Area code +381 88 Car plates HN Official Website www. ... Coordinates Mayor Dragan KankaraÅ¡ (DPS - SDP) Municipality area 46 km² Population (2003 census)  - city  - municipality  - density 9,467 13,630 {{{density}}} No. ... This article is about the city of Kotor. ... Coordinates Mayor Rajko Kuljača Municipality area 122 km² Population  - city  - municipality 10,918 15,909 Time zone  - Standard  - Summer (DST) CET (UTC+1) CEST (UTC+2) Founded 5th Century B.C. Area code +381 86 Car plates BD Official Website http://www. ... Coordinates Mayor Žarko Pavićević (DPS - SDP) Municipality area 598 km² Population (2003 census)  - city  - municipality  - density 13,719 40,037 67. ... Coordinates Mayor Gëzim Hajdinaga (DUA - DPS - SDP) Municipality area 255 km² Population (2003 census)  - city  - municipality  - density 10,828 20,290 79. ... For other uses, see Kosovo (disambiguation). ... Languages Bosnian Religions Predominantly Islam An entry was temporarily removed here. ... Muslims by nationality was a term used in Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to describe people who spoke Serbo-Croatian language and professed Islam that werent identified as one of the other nations. ... Coordinates Mayor Skender Å arkinović (DPS - BS) Municipality area 486 km² Population (2003 census)  - city  - municipality  - density 3,615 13,805 28. ... Coordinates Mayor Nusret Kalač (DPS) Municipality area 432 km² Population (2003 census)  - city  - municipality  - density 9,121 22,693 {{{density}}} No. ... Coordinates Mayor Veselin Bakić (SNP - NS) Municipality area 283 km² Population  - city  - municipality 1,073 5,785 Time zone  - Standard  - Summer (DST) CET (UTC+1) CEST (UTC+2) Founded Area code +382 87 Car plates BA Official Website http://www. ... Mayor Relja Jovancevic Area  - city  - municipality {{{city}}} km² {{{municipalaty}}} km² Population  - city  - municipality 21,000 in 2003 40,900 in 2003 Time zone Summer Time CET (UTC +1) CEST (UTC +2) Founded 1862 Latitude Longitude 42° N 19° E Area code +381 87 Car plates BA Official Website Map of... Coordinates Mayor Mileta Bulatović (SNP - NS) Municipality area 897 km² Population (2003 census)  - city  - municipality  - density 2,989 9,949 {{{density}}} No. ... [[Image:|300px|Location of Mojkovac Мојковац]] Mayor Area  - city  - municipality km² km² Population  - city  - municipality 4,120 10,066 Time zone Summer Time CET (UTC +1) CEST (UTC +2) Founded Latitude Longitude ° N ° E Area code +381 84 Car plates Official Website Map of the municipalities of Montenegro, showing the location... Mayor Municipality area 858 km² Population  - city  - municipality Time zone Summer Time CET (UTC +1) CEST (UTC +2) Founded 14th Century Latitude Longitude Area code +381 Car plates Official website:[1] Plužine (Плужине) is a town and municipality in Montenegro, Serbia and Montenegro. ... Coordinates Mayor Filip Vukovic Municipality area 1346 km² Population  - city  - municipality 27,000 36,918 Time zone  - Standard  - Summer (DST) CET (UTC+1) CEST (UTC+2) Founded between VI - VII century Area code +382 89 Car plates PV Official Website www. ... Coordinates Mayor Dejan Mandić Municipality area 235 km² Population  - city  - municipality 12,739 33,034 Time zone  - Standard  - Summer (DST) CET (UTC+1) CEST (UTC+2) Founded 1382 Area code +381 88 Car plates HN Official Website www. ... Coordinates Mayor Velimir PeriÅ¡ić (DPS - SDP) Municipality area 553 km² Population  - city  - municipality 570 2,947 Time zone  - Standard  - Summer (DST) CET (UTC+1) CEST (UTC+2) Founded Area code +382 83 Car plates NK Official Website http://www. ... [[Image:|300px|Location of Žabljak]] Mayor Isailo Å ljivančanin Area  - city  - municipality km² 445 km² Population  - city  - municipality 1,937 4,929 Time zone Summer Time CET (UTC +1) CEST (UTC +2) Founded Latitude Longitude 43°09 N 19°07 E Area code +381 89 Car plates PV Official Website... Coordinates Mayor Žarko Pavićević (DPS - SDP) Municipality area 598 km² Population (2003 census)  - city  - municipality  - density 13,719 40,037 67. ... Coordinates Mayor Tarzan MiloÅ¡ević (DPS - SDP) Municipality area 924 km² Population (2003 census)  - city  - municipality  - density 15,883 50,284 54. ... Coordinates Mayor Rajko Kuljača Municipality area 122 km² Population  - city  - municipality 10,918 15,909 Time zone  - Standard  - Summer (DST) CET (UTC+1) CEST (UTC+2) Founded 5th Century B.C. Area code +381 86 Car plates BD Official Website http://www. ... Coordinates Mayor Milovan Janković (DPS - SDP) Municipality area 910 km² Population (2003 census)  - city  - municipality  - density 15,137 18,482 20. ... Coordinates Mayor Branislav Đuranović (DPS - SDP) Municipality area 501 km² Population (2003 census)  - city  - municipality  - density 5,208 16,523 {{{density}}} No. ... This article is about the city of Kotor. ... Coordinates Mayor NebojÅ¡a Radojičić (DPS - SDP) Municipality area 2,065 km² Population (2003 census)  - city  - municipality  - density 58,212 75,282 36. ... Coordinates Mayor Skender Å arkinović (DPS - BS) Municipality area 486 km² Population (2003 census)  - city  - municipality  - density 3,615 13,805 28. ... Coordinates Mayor Dr. Miomir MugoÅ¡a (DPS - SDP) Municipality area 1,441 km² Population (2003 census)  - city  - municipality  - density 136,473 169,132 117,4 pop per km² Time zone  - Standard  - Summer (DST) CET (UTC+1) CEST (UTC+2) Founded Before 12th Century as Birziminium Area code +382 81 Car... Coordinates Mayor Nusret Kalač (DPS) Municipality area 432 km² Population (2003 census)  - city  - municipality  - density 9,121 22,693 {{{density}}} No. ... Coordinates Mayor Dragan KankaraÅ¡ (DPS - SDP) Municipality area 46 km² Population (2003 census)  - city  - municipality  - density 9,467 13,630 {{{density}}} No. ... Coordinates Mayor Gëzim Hajdinaga (DUA - DPS - SDP) Municipality area 255 km² Population (2003 census)  - city  - municipality  - density 10,828 20,290 79. ...

The Independist Bloc won thanks to the high votes of Albanians and to an extent Bosniaks. The highest pro-independendist percentage was in Albanian-populated Ulcinj and Bosniak-populated Rožaje.^[24]. This fact was, and still is being used by some of the Montenegrin and Serbian media and critics structures in Serbia and Montenegro to complain about and denounce the results of the referendum. Truth is, however, that the independists won by around 2,000 votes, and that this is exactly the same number Montenegrin diaspora Albanians that flew from the United States of America to vote for braking the state union. This became especially controversial, taking to granted that over 200,000 Montenegrin diaspora Serbs were not allowed to vote. Language(s) Bosnian Religion(s) Predominantly Islam Related ethnic groups Slavs (South Slavs) The Bosniaks or Bosniacs[1] (Bosnian: BoÅ¡njaci, IPA: ) are a South Slavic people, living mainly in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bosnia) and the Sandžak region of Serbia and Montenegro, with a smaller autochthonous population also present... Coordinates Mayor Gëzim Hajdinaga (DUA - DPS - SDP) Municipality area 255 km² Population (2003 census)  - city  - municipality  - density 10,828 20,290 79. ... Coordinates Mayor Nusret Kalač (DPS) Municipality area 432 km² Population (2003 census)  - city  - municipality  - density 9,121 22,693 {{{density}}} No. ...

International reactions

On May 22, Croatian President Stipe Mesić sent a message of congratulations to Montenegro on its vote for independence. Mesić was the first foreign head of state to react officially to the vote. is the 142nd day of the year (143rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Stjepan Mesić (born December 24, 1934) has been the President of the Republic of Croatia since 2000. ...

The EU's foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, congratulated Montenegro on a "successful referendum" and said the turnout of over 86 percent "confirms the legitimacy of the process." The European Union would, he said, "fully respect" the final result.^[25] The EU's commissioner for enlargement, Olli Rehn, said the European Union would put forward proposals for fresh talks with both Montenegro and Serbia. "All sides should respect the result and work together in order to build consensus on the basis of the acceptance of European values and standards. I now expect Belgrade and Podgorica to engage in direct talks on the practical implementation of the results".^[26] Javier Solana Madariaga (born July 14, 1942 in Madrid, Spain) is the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the Secretary-General of both the Council of the European Union (EU) and the Western European Union (WEU). ... Olli Rehn Olli Rehn ( ) (born 31 March 1962) is a Finnish politician, currently serving as European Commissioner for Enlargement. ...

In a statement of 23 May, the United States affirmed the OSCE/ODIHR assessment of the election, which stated that "the referendum was conducted in line with OSCE and Council of Europe commitments and other international standards for democratic electoral processes." "We urge Montenegro and Serbia to work together to resolve the practical issues necessary to implement the will of the people of Montenegro as expressed in the referendum."^[27] is the 143rd day of the year (144th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is an international organization for security. ... Anthem Ode to Joy (orchestral)  ten founding members joined subsequently observer at the Parliamentary Assembly observer at the Committee of Ministers  official candidate Seat Strasbourg, France Membership 47 European states 5 observers (Council) 3 observers (Assembly) Leaders  -  Secretary General Terry Davis  -  President of the Parliamentary Assembly Rene van der Linden...

The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on 23 May stating "It is of fundamental importance for Montenegro and Serbia to enter into constructive, friendly and comprehensive dialogue with the aim of producing mutually acceptable political solutions regarding their future relations," the Foreign Ministry said.^[28] is the 143rd day of the year (144th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

The British Europe Minister Geoff Hoon said he was pleased that the referendum had complied with international standards, pointing out that "the people of Montenegro have expressed a clear desire for an independent state."^[29] Geoff Hoon (right) at Pentagon briefing Geoffrey William Geoff Hoon (born December 6, 1953) is a British politician. ...

A spokesperson for the Foreign ministry of the People's Republic of China indicated "China respects the choice of people of Montenegro and the final result of the referendum" in a regularly-scheduled news conference on 23 May.^[30] is the 143rd day of the year (144th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

The unanimous recognition of the referendum result by the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council indicated that widespread international recognition of Montenegro would likely be swift once independence was formally declared. “Security Council” redirects here. ...

Serbian reactions

Serbian president Boris Tadić accepted the results of the referendum in favour of independence, while Serbian prime minister Vojislav Koštunica, a firm opponent of Montenegrin independence, resolved to wait until the end of the week, so that the pro-Serb Montenegrin opposition would have time to challenge the final verdict.^[31] Boris Tadić   (Борис Тадић) (born 15 January 1958) is the President of Serbia. ... Dr. Vojislav KoÅ¡tunica   (Serbian Cyrillic: Војислав Коштуница) (pronounced , born March 24, 1944, Belgrade, Yugoslavia, now Serbia) is the current Prime Minister of Serbia. ...

The prime minister of Kosovo, Agim Çeku, announced that Kosovo would follow Montenegro in the quest for independence, saying "This is the last act of the historic liquidation of Yugoslavia /.../ this year Kosovo will follow in Montenegro's footsteps." Kosovo was, and as of 2007, remains under the administration of the United Nations, but is seen by Serbs as the historical and spiritual heart of Serbia.^[32] For other uses, see Kosovo (disambiguation). ... Agim Çeku (Serbo-Croat: Agim ÄŒeku) (born 29 October 1960 in the village of Cuska Peć [1] in Kosovo, Serbia, then Yugoslavia), is the Prime Minister of Kosovo. ... 2007 is a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar. ... UN and U.N. redirect here. ...

Ethnic Serb groups in neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina planned to demand a referendum on the independence of the Republika Srpska, according to the Croatian daily Večernji list, citing Branislav Dukić, leader of Spona, a regional Serb organisation.^[33] Since such a move could start another war in Bosnia it provoked widespread condemnation from the US, European Union, and other nations. Milorad Dodik, the prime minister of Republika Srpska, subsequently withdrew his calls for a referendum, citing international opposition and the fact that such a referendum would violate the Dayton peace agreement.^[34] Not to be confused with Serbia. ... Večernji list is a Croatian daily newspaper published in Zagreb. ... United States may refer to: Places: United States of America SS United States, the fastest ocean liner ever built. ... Milorad Dodik (Serbian: Милорад Додик) is the Prime Minister of the Republika Srpska, one of the two entities of the Bosnia and Herzegovina, since 28 February 2006. ... Not to be confused with Serbia. ...

References

External links

• Unionist Bloc video: Vote for Love!
• Unionist Bloc theme: Love connects
• BBC: Page on the subject
• BBC: Post-election coverage
• Referendum Law (PDF)
• The Njegoskij Fund Public Project >> 21 May 2006 Referendum on Independence

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