Montenegrin opposition rally, claim election fraud

[April 20, 2013]  PODGORICA, Montenegro (AP) -- More than 5,000 opposition supporters have rallied in Montenegro claiming their leader was cheated of victory in this month's presidential ballot in the small Balkan country, which is striving to join the European Union.

Chanting "thieves!" and carrying anti-government banners, the protesters demanded Saturday that parliament annul the April 7 vote within 10 days and call a new election.

Montenegro's election authorities have said that incumbent Filip Vujanovic was the winner, but the opposition claims their candidate Miodrag Lekic was robbed.

Lekic says Montenegro's ruling coalition -- which has remained in power for more than 20 years -- will soon fall and "we will become a free, democratic country."

[Associated Press]

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