A Continuation of State Formation

Today, it was confirmed that the pro-Western coalition led by Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic won last weeks election in Montenegro, the first general election vote by the newly independent Balkan state after its split from Serbia. The vote, which foreign observers from the Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE) declared to be fair and largely compliant with international standards, represented an important democratic step for the country and its desire to join the European Union and NATO. Prime Minister Djukanovic’s coalition won 41 seats in the 81-seat assembly. A pro-Serbian party finished tied for second, but lost more than half of the seats that it held under the pre-independence government.

The election is a continuation of the restoration of independence in Montenegro and the formation of a state. The new parliament will be responsible for drafting and approving a new constitution. Montenegro has had to go through all the steps of state formation, as Serbia retained the United Nations seat and membership in all other international and regional organizations. However, Serbia also retained technical legal control over Kosovo, thus possibly accelerating the push for resolution of its uncertain status and demands for at least limited independence. The Kosovars have now seen their neighbors exercise independence and self-determination and will likely settle for nothing less than complete sovereignty. While the UN continues to administer Kosovo and transfer limited responsibility to local control, the quick progression of democracy in Montenegro offers a stark contrast to the unsettled status of Kosovo.

Here is a general overview of Montenegro. Here is a good discussion of Kosovo and the option of earned sovereignty as a solution for its status.