Elite churn raises cautious reform hopes in Montenegro

Significance

Its wider importance lies in the potential to stimulate trust in the electoral process, inspiring disillusioned populaces and weak opposition movements. Meanwhile, Serbia’s elections on June 21, boycotted by the best part of the opposition, further entrenched the ruling party’s power.

Impacts

• Democratisation need not bring growth, with Serbia and Montenegro already attracting non-transparent Chinese and Middle Eastern investment.
• Montenegro’s clear commitment to reforms for EU accession could help reduce inequality and support rule-of-law and environmental protection.
• Businesses and investors could feel the benefit in a few years of increasing checks and balances reining in gate-keeping and rent-seeking.