(12 Jun 2000) Serbo-Croat/Nat
Hopes of local elections in Montenegro revealing widespread support for independence and westernisation were dashed on Monday.
The republic's pro-western party won 28 of the 54 municipal posts in Montenegro's capital of Podgorica - enough to increase the party's majority, but nowhere near the resounding endorsement for independence they had sought.
Sunday's elections were seen as a barometer of public opinion on whether to remain part of the Yugoslav federation or break away and increase ties with Europe.
On the streets of Montenegro's capital, Podgorica, on Monday, feelings were mixed.
Of those who support the pro-western government, some see the result as a victory.
Others say the party's win wasn't enough: Sunday's ballot was seen as a test of the strength of Montenegro's independence-minded leadership, and, they didn't win the test as convincingly as they'd hoped.
The elections only took place in Montenegro's two main cities of Podgorica and Herceg Novi.
A third of Montenegro's 600-thousand inhabitants live in these cities.
Montenegro is the smaller of Yugoslavia's two republics - Serbia is its larger partner.
The real race was between two main parties, the Socialist Nationalist Party (S-N-P) which is currently in opposition, and the Democratic Socialist Party (D-P-S).
The S-N-P is led by Momir Bulatovic and is supported by Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic.
The D-P-S is headed by Montenegro's President Milo Djukanovic and is supported by those who want to split from Belgrade.
The D-P-S had hoped to receive widespread support in both cities.
There was also an expectation that if they did, they would race ahead with moves to split from Serbia and increase ties with Europe.
SOUNDBITE: (Serbo-Croat)
Finally it's time for us to go ahead and join Europe. I am satisfied with the result."
SUPER CAPTION: Vox pop
Djukanovic's forces - the D-P-S - can now govern the capital with an increased majority.
But Djukanovic's opponents - the S-N-P - claimed an absolute victory in Herceg Novi which was the other key city involved in Sunday's vote.
SOUNDBITE: (Serbo-Croat)
"Until the result I was very happy. I think there was a fraud in Herceg Novi."
SUPER CAPTION: Vox pop
SOUNDBITE: (Serbo-Croat)
"I think we are closer now to independence. There is more cooperation with Milosevic's regime and I think the people of Montenegro realise that this is the only way to European integration
SUPER CAPTION: Vox pop
The S-N-P wants the tiny mountainous republic - Serbia's smaller partner in the Yugoslav federation - to remain firmly in the federal embrace.
Their victory in Herceg Novi is likely to dissuade Djukanovic from taking a hasty step to full independence anytime soon, because doing so could put the region at risk of armed conflict with Milosevic.
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