The Politics of Montenegro is the politics in Montenegro.
Constitution
Montenegro's Parliament approved the Republican Constitution on 12 October 1992. This established Montenegro as a democratic sovereign state. Power is vested in its citizens, who exercise it directly through the election of representatives to the Parliament. Decisions related to changes in constitutional status or to an alteration of borders are subject to a vote of the citizens of Montenegro exercised in a referendum.
Judiciary Branch
Montenegro follows the principle of division of powers. Its judicial, legislative, and executive branches are independent of each other. The judiciary is autonomous and independent. The rulings of the courts must be in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of Montenegro. Appointment to a judiciary position is permanent.
Parliament
The Montenegrin Parliament passes all laws in Montenegro, ratifies international treaties, appoints the Prime Minister, ministers, and justices of all courts, adopts the budget and performs other duties as established by the Constitution. The Parliament can pass a vote of no-confidence on the Government by a majority of the members. One deputy is elected per 6,000 voters, which in turn results in a reduction of total number of deputies in the Assembly of Montenegro (the present assembly convening comprises 78 deputies instead of previous number of 71).
Seats in Parliament
After the elections held on October 21, 2002, eleven parties are currently represented in the Montenegrin Parliament. The Democratic Party of Socialists of Montenegro (DPS) holds 30 seats; Social Democratic Party of Montenegro (SDP) 5; Civic Party of Montenegro 1; Non-Partisans 2; Socialist People's Party of Montenegro 19; Serbian People's Party of Montenegro 6; People's Party of Montenegro 5; Liberal Alliance of Montenegro 4; Democratic Union of Albanians 1, and Democratic League of Montenegro 1. DPS, SDP, Civic Party of Montenegro, and Non-Partisans comprise the coalition, Democratic List for a European Montenegro, and has a majority in the Montenegrin Parliament (39 seats out of 75).
President
The President of Montenegro is elected for a period of five years through direct and secret ballots. The President:
- Represents Montenegro in the country and abroad
- Promulgates laws
- Calls for Parliamentary elections
- Proposes to the Parliament a candidate for Prime Minister, as well as for the president and justices of the Constitutional Court
- Proposes the holding of a referendum
- Grants pardons
- Confers honors and decorations
Government
The Government formulates and conducts foreign policy; adopts decrees and other regulations; implements laws; concludes international treaties; establishes the organization and the mode of operation of the government administration; and performs other duties as laid down in the Constitution. The present Government is comprised of members of the Coalition, Democratic List for a European Montenegro, thus Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), Civic Party, Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Non-Partisans.
The Prime Minister directs the work of the Government, and submits to the Parliamen,t the Government's Program, including a list of proposed ministers. The resignation of the Prime Minister will cause the fall of the Government.