Experimental polarisation curves for the porous lithiated NiO cathode used in molten carbonate fuel cells very often exhibit a linear shape over a wide potential range. It is shown by means of mathematical modelling that this linear behaviour can be explained by the interplay of intrinsic electrode kinetics, diffusion of electroactive species through an electrolyte film and the effective ohmic resistance of the pore electrolyte, providing that the cathodic transfer coefficient has a value of about 1.5. In contrast, with the generally assumed value of 0.5 of this transfer coefficient and with reasonable values of the effective electrolyte conductivity, predicted polarisation curves will always bend downwards over the overvoltage region of interest. The evolution of the polarisation curves with increasing electrolyte fill can be simulated by a model according to which the electroactive surface area becomes gradually blocked with the increasing amount of electrolyte.