The Vice President of the Socialist People’s Party (SNP), Dragoslav Šcekić, has raised questions about whether party leader Vladimir Joković can seek a third term in charge.

In response to an inquiry from “Vijesti” regarding Joković’s lack of dismissal of that possibility, despite the SNP Statute restricting the presidency to two four-year terms, Šćekić remarked that the Statute is “very clear.” He added that if there are uncertainties regarding the interpretation of the obligations within that document, it is the duty of the party’s Statutory Commission to provide an official opinion.

“The Statutory Commission is an entity established within our organization that exclusively handles the interpretation of the Statute. I would prefer to leave this matter to the commission members for their interpretation and opinion if it becomes an agenda item,” he stated.

Last April, Šćekić announced his intention to run for the leadership of the SNP. As dictated by the Statute, candidates are nominated by local committees, which then submit these nominations to the party’s headquarters. Following the acceptance of candidacies by the candidates, the Main Board (GO) finalizes the list a few days ahead of the Congress.

The Statute also specifies that a single individual can serve as party leader for a maximum of two successive terms. This provision was established during the SNP congress at the end of July 2021.

During that congress, Joković was elected as the party leader for a second term, having first assumed the position at the 2017 congress.

On a recent episode of “Free Zone” on Prva Television, he mentioned that he is not contemplating running for the upcoming congress scheduled for the summer, while noting the “various interpretations” surrounding his eligibility for a third term.

“… Some assert: ‘You can because (the amended Statute) took effect then (2021) and it must continue forward.’ Others question what would happen if Joković had served two terms before the Statute was adopted. If it retroactively applied, the congress would have failed, and the president would not have been elected. It is claimed that public interest declarations are needed for any legal act, which only applies to laws, hence if they’re not retroactive, I could potentially run for office,” Joković evaluated.

“We know who caused the party split”

When addressing these statements, Šćekić told “Vijesti” that the congress held four years ago “could not have failed as multiple candidates were proposed,” including himself. He added that he withdrew his candidacy “for the sake of maintaining a favorable atmosphere and unity within the party, as well as for Mr. Joković.”

“I believe that we must consider certain facts and circumstances, respect the work and results achieved, and heed the voices of the SNP’s sympathizers and members, alongside some members of the party’s governing bodies,” he emphasized.

In the aforementioned show, Joković expressed that he believes “someone young” should lead the SNP and underscored the significance of having a leader who possesses a broad perspective, can unite people, and is able to tolerate differing viewpoints.

“… In no case should it be someone who sparks conflict with half the community or leads to numerous departures from the party,” he added.

When asked how he interprets that remark, and whether he thinks it is directed at him since he is the only declared candidate so far, Šćekić responded that he disagrees with Joković’s statement, assuming his party colleague “was speaking in general terms.”

“My capacity for broad-mindedness, vision, and ability to unite individuals was demonstrated in 2014, 2018, and on August 30, 2020, in Berane, with the victory over the previous regime, and later throughout Montenegro. My ability to unite was also evident in 2017 during the congress when we Dragan Ivanović, one of the most crucial figures in our party, proposed, gathered support, and voted for the current president, Joković. It’s well-known throughout the SNP’s history who instigated the party’s divisions and sent negative messages to the public,” stated Šćekić.

When questioned if Joković’s comments suggest internal conflicts exist within the SNP, and if he fears another party split, Šćekić refrained from commenting on the party leader’s remarks or whether conflicts exist.

“I personally advocate for unity, collaboration, growth, and the revival of the SNP’s former glory and success,” he remarked.

Currently, the SNP is part of the government led by Milojko Spajić, with Joković as the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management and Šćekić serving as the Minister of Sports and Youth.

The party holds two seats in the state parliament, which is a modest outcome compared to their representation in the early 2000s when they were a dominant opposition force.

The SNP was established in 1998 following a split from the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) and has since navigated several internal divisions.

The founder and first leader of the party was former Montenegro president Momir Bulatović, and the SNP has also been led by Predrag Bulatović (2000-2006) and Srdjan Milić (2006-2017).

Šćekić: SNP must no longer fight for representation

When asked about his plans concerning his candidacy, campaign timeline, and foundational promises, Šćekić mentioned that he announced his intention to run in response to requests from SNP members and supporters, with whom he communicates daily both in person and on social media, and that he did so based on feedback from a significant portion of the party’s governing bodies at every level.

“My campaign has been ongoing for 27 years, since the formation of the SNP,” he declared.

Šćekić argued that the party should not function solely as a closed system during election cycles, stressing that decisions must be made by its bodies, as outlined by the Statute.

“The SNP must move past the fight for representation. We need modernization, the reinforcement of internal democracy, and a clearly defined vision for the future. That is why I am running for the presidency of the SNP, aiming to make the party more transparent, accountable, and welcoming to all members. I firmly believe that only through collective effort, mutual respect, and active participation can we restore the strength of the SNP and re-establish it as a leader in the political sphere,” he stated.

The “Vijesti” interlocutor mentioned that his program will be built on “key principles” that will “guide” his actions — transparency, inclusiveness, and participatory governance.

“I believe that decisions should not be made in isolated groups, but with the full involvement of all party members,” he added.

According to him, the SNP must evolve into a modern, dynamic party open “to new ideas and fresh perspectives,” with respect for all its members and supporters “who have contributed immeasurably so far.”

“This combination should be a winning one. The upcoming congress ought to be a revival congress for the SNP in a spirit of unity, akin to that of 2021, but will certainly depend on the decisions of the other proposed candidates and their individual aspirations,” Šćekić concluded.

Joković: I’ve never disputed with Šćekić

In a discussion with “Prvo,” Joković remarked that Šćekić did not attend the recent celebration marking the SNP’s 27th anniversary.

He affirmed that he is in communication with his party colleague and that Šćekić is actively involved in the workings of the SNP’s Central Committee.

“I have never had a disagreement with Šćekić,” Joković asserts.

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