Montenegro opposition parties claim election win

Several thousand supporters of opposition pro-Serb and pro-Russian parties in Montenegro on Monday took to the streets to celebrate, claiming an election victory over the pro-Western party that has ruled the country for the past 30 years. The governing Democratic Party of Socialists won most votes at Sunday's ballot - around 35 percent - according to the preliminary official results.

However, a coalition of three opposition groupings said they have secured enough support to form the next government. The main pro-Serb and pro-Russia alliance, For the Future of Montenegro, has gained nearly 33% according to the state election authorities. Two other opposition groups came next with around 12% and 5% respectively. They were followed by smaller parties and those run by ethnic minorities, according to the complete vote tally. It is unclear when the final distribution of seats in the 81-member parliament will be announced.