Montenegro's ex-economy minister Milatovic declares victory in presidential run-off

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - Montenegro's former minister of economic development Jakov Milatovic won the country's presidential runoff on Sunday by securing 58.9% of votes, according to preliminary results.

The 36-year-old beat long-serving incumbent President Milo Djukanovic, who got 41.1%.

Milatovic is from the newly-formed Europe Now group who vowed to raise living standards, strengthen relations with the EU and improve ties with Serbia.

His supporters gathered on the streets of the capital Podgorica to celebrate the victory.

The runoff vote was scheduled after none of the contenders won a majority in the first round of voting on March 19.

According to the election commission, 375,853 of 542,000 citizens eligible to vote took part in the ballot, and the turnout rose from 62.7% in the first round to 69.33%.

Parliamentary elections in the Balkan country will be held on June 11.