Over a quarter of the candidates for councilors from the “For the Future of Nikšić” (ZBNK) coalition, led by the former Democratic Front (DF), hold positions in state-owned energy companies.

This information is supported by data from their biographies published on the coalition’s website.

Out of 41 candidates on the list, 11 are associated with a state-owned energy company, which translates to 26.82 percent of the candidates.

Notably, the most recognized among them is Milutin Djukanovic, the President of the Board of Directors of the Electric Power Company of Montenegro (EPCG), who is listed last.

The leadership of the coalition includes members from the EPCG Solar Construction Board Zoran Colaković (sixth on the list) and employees from the Montenegrin Electricity Distribution System (CEDIS) Milutin Jovanovic (ninth on the list). Both belong to the Democratic People’s Party (DNP).

Additionally, the list features the President of the Montenegrin Electricity Market Operator (COTEE) and leader of the Workers’ Party Maksim Vučinić (twelfth), as well as an employee of EPCG in the Human Resources Directorate, Nemanja Lalić (thirteenth), and a director at EPCG-Željezara, Marko Vucinić (seventeenth), along with councilor of NSD Nikola Goranović (eighteenth).

ZBNK councilor candidates also include the EPCG’s expert associate for socially responsible business Stefani Eraković (24th on the list) and Andrijana Vučinić Dubljević (35th), both affiliated with EPCG. Additionally, Aleksandar Vujović (30th) from NSD and Aleksa Kankaraš (23rd) from the SNP also work at EPCG, where Vujović serves as an archivist.

The ZBNK coalition comprises the NSD Andrije Mandić, DNP Milan Knežević, SNP, United Montenegro, Workers’ Party, Free Montenegro, True Montenegro, and the Yugoslav Communist Party.

State-Owned Enterprises Mimicking Private Firms

Ines Mrdovic, Director of Action for Social Justice (ASP), noted that the former DF parties recognize the significance of influence in managing energy companies. This, she claims, enhances party strength and is frequently leveraged on election day.

Compared to the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) era, Mrdović argues that EPCG has more power than ever, citing the establishment of two new subsidiaries, EPCG Solar and EPCG-Željezara, since the fall of the DPS government.

She points out that even during socialist Yugoslavia, gaining employment at EPCG was privileged, and “in the context of Montenegrin partitocracy, this has become even more critical.”

“Politically, energy companies not only allow direct party influence through employment opportunities but also foster indirect nepotism and clientelism. It is recognized that many state enterprises are perceived as private firms by their employees. For instance, if your father is an electrical engineer at EPCG, there’s a belief that his child should also secure a position there,” Mrdović told “Vijesti”, remarking on a longstanding vicious cycle.

The interviewee also reminded us that overseeing the energy sector provides opportunities for various jobs, scholarships, training, etc., which can significantly sway election outcomes.

“It is unquestionable that parties understand the advantage of having influence in management structures, particularly regarding EPCG,” concluded the ASP director.

Are Appointments Based on Political Favoritism?

Some members of the community accuse former DF parties of exploiting the energy sector for member employment and thereby undermining that sector.

Valerija Saveljic, former Director of EPCG Solar Construction (Civil Movement URA), claimed that over 70 percent of staff at that company were NSD affiliates, some recruited by the EPCG Board President.

“Milutin Đukanović informed me that he had employed around ten individuals at Solar Gradnja who lacked qualifications but had to be hired because they had protested under tents,” she stated in the “Target: A Kinsman’s State” documentary aired by “Vijesti” last November.

In that documentary, Đukanović denied Saveljić’s assertions.

“That isn’t true. There were ten individuals under the tents, but it’s not true to claim they were employed for that reason. It’s absurd to suggest such a connection,” he remarked.

The elections in Nikšić are set for Sunday (April 13th), featuring ten participating lists.

Alongside ZBNK, the Democrats will run with the citizens’ group “Plenum 083”, and the European Alliance includes the Social Democratic Party, Social Democrats, and the Liberal Party (LP).

The DPS, the Europe Now Movement, the Civic Movement URA, and the Party of European Progress will contest independently.

Voters in Nikšić will also have the option to choose from three civic lists: “Work for my city – Dr. Borislav Mićo Đurišić”, “Let’s wake up Nikšić – Dragoljub Dragan Radulović”, and “For a libertarian Nikšić of equal opportunities,” led by former Nikšić LP committee president Jelena Marković.

In the last elections held in March 2021, the ZBNK coalition secured 11 seats, while “Peace is our nation – round off freedom”, led by the Democrats, won 10 seats, and the Civic Movement URA achieved one.

These three lists formed the governing body in Nikšić, with the DPS entering opposition.

These were the first elections since August 30, 2020, when the three-decade-long DPS government was ousted.

The List Features School Principals, TO, and Theater Officials

Candidates for ZBNK councilors include elementary school directors and employees from the Health Center and Nikšić Hospital.

Marko Kovačević, the local NSD MP, is prominently featured, along with Deputy Mayor Zoran Tomić (SNP), the Director of the Tourist Organization (TO) Mitar Barać (SNP), and theater director Radinko Krulanović. Also included is Mirko Miličić, the Chief of Staff for the President of the Parliament of Montenegro.

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