Former Minister of Defense and one-time president of the Democratic party of socialists Milica Pejanovic-Djurisic has the most significant chance, together with the leader of DPS Milo Djukanovic, to be this party’s candidate for president of Montenegro.
It is most probable that it would be Pejanovic-Djurisic if internal research confirms that she could win the elections on the 15th of April, as DPS is sure would happen with Djukanovic as a candidate.
DPS announced that during next week, at the Main Board assembly, and on the suggestion of its presidency, they will appoint the presidential candidate.
Vice-president of the government Milutin Simovic was also suggested, but the analysis made by the party showed that he does not have as good a public rating as Pejanovic-Djurisic and as one of the leaders of an oppositional party, whose candidacy was not excluded.
This was confirmed to “Vijesti” from multiple sources in this party.
Pejanovic-Djurisic did not want to answer any questions, explaining that she was out for lunch.
Simovic did not return any phone calls.
Top management in DPS said that Djukanovic would be a candidate only if he had to because “his choice is not to have a state function," reckoning that activities on the political scene show that it is not necessary for him to go into the race for president of the country.
“Many people logically expect me to be one of the candidates, having in mind my experience and the fact that I am president of the party. But this would not be my ultimate choice. At this moment, I am more inspired to give my contribution to the party," Djukanovic recently said.
Prime minister Dusko Markovic, according to the obtained information by “Vijesti”, would not be happy if the vice-president and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development left the Government because he is satisfied with his work.
“If internal research shows that Simovic would make the best result, he would be DPS candidate. But we should wait till next week because then the candidate will finally be revealed and we are certain he or she will be the next president of Montenegro," as the governing party says and expects.
DPS Presidency commenced the final phase of electing the candidate on Thursday, announcing they have discussed more quality suggestions.
“There were many names, among which is the vice-president of the Parliament Branimir Gvozdenovic, but only due to the necessary analysis within the party. Candidacies of Djukanovic, Pejanovic-Djurisic and Simovic were discussed more seriously," said one of the DPS members.
Djukanovic said they have several prepared candidates, for whom they are more than confident can win the presidential elections.
“Who will be the candidate depends on many factors. We are adjusting our tactics because after this we need to have elections in Podgorica and other towns”," said Djukanovic who also had consultations about the forthcoming elections in Podgorica, before the Presidency on Thursday.
The Presidential elections will be held on the 15th of April, and these are the third elections after an independent Montenegro.
The suggestion for a name who will inherit Filip Vujanovic should be submitted to the State election committee no later than the 26th of March, and DIK established the final list of candidates until the 28th of March at midnight.
AUTHOR: Ivana Gudović, read more at Vijesti
