Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic called the elections ahead of schedule, saying that the vote would help the government carry out social and economic reforms in the country of about 600,000 people to bring it closer to the EU membership.
As many as 498,000 registered voters will vote to elect 81 deputies from among 16 political parties and coalitions. The elections will be monitored by about 1,000 local and 200 foreign observers.
The opinion polls suggest that Djukanovic's Coalition for a European Montenegro is in the lead with over 50% of votes. Djukanovic earlier said he wanted the country's quick EU membership.
The opposition Socialist People's Party is the main rival for the ruling coalition in the parliamentary elections. However, the opinion polls show that it may get less than 20% of electors' votes.
