Podgorica, Montenegro; Yugoslavia, 6 October 1997 (RFE/RL) - Montenegro's electoral commission says inconclusive results in yesterday's presidential elections mean a runoff election will have to be held on October 19.
The incumbent, Momir Bulatovic won 47.45 percent of the vote. His chief contender, Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic won 46.72 percent, just 2,400 votes behind Bulatovic.
The election commission invalidated results from two polling stations where the number of ballots cast exceeded the number of registered voters.
The run-off is necessary since neither candidate won at least 50 percent of of the vote. The six other candidates won a total of less than six percent. Voter turnout was over 67 percent.
President Bulatovic is an outspoken supporter of Yugoslav federal President Slobodan Milosevic and Montenegro's continued membership in the rump Yugoslav federation.
Prime Minister Djukanovic has criticized Milosevic for failing to introduce democratic reforms and strengthen the economy. He says it is time for Montenegro to separate itself from Yugoslavia's economic disaster, which he blames on Milosevic.
The incumbent, Momir Bulatovic won 47.45 percent of the vote. His chief contender, Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic won 46.72 percent, just 2,400 votes behind Bulatovic.
The election commission invalidated results from two polling stations where the number of ballots cast exceeded the number of registered voters.
The run-off is necessary since neither candidate won at least 50 percent of of the vote. The six other candidates won a total of less than six percent. Voter turnout was over 67 percent.
President Bulatovic is an outspoken supporter of Yugoslav federal President Slobodan Milosevic and Montenegro's continued membership in the rump Yugoslav federation.
Prime Minister Djukanovic has criticized Milosevic for failing to introduce democratic reforms and strengthen the economy. He says it is time for Montenegro to separate itself from Yugoslavia's economic disaster, which he blames on Milosevic.