Croatia Heads to Second Round as Presidential Election Ends with Close Results

croatia - The presidential election in Croatia has ended with a close result, leading to a second round. The current President Zoran Milanovic finished the first round ahead, but fell short of the required percentage for an outright victory.

The presidential election in Croatia has concluded with the current President Zoran Milanovic leading in the first round but falling short of the required majority. According to the initial results released by the Croatian State Election Commission, Milanovic received 49.11% of the votes with the majority of the ballots counted.

With exit polls indicating Milanovic's victory in the first round, his rival Dragan Primorac secured 19.36% of the votes.

According to the data from the State Election Commission, independent candidate Marija Selak Raspudic received 9.25%, Ivana Kekin supported by the 'We can!' (Moemo!) movement got 8.88%, independent candidate Tomislav Jonjic secured 5.07%, Miro Bulj from the Bridge (Most) movement received 3.82%, Branka Lozo from the DOMINO movement got 2.41%, and independent candidate Niko Tokic Kartelo garnered 0.88% of the votes.

Following these results, the second round of the presidential election will take place in two weeks, with the incumbent President Zoran Milanovic supported by the main opposition party, the Social Democratic Party (SDP), facing Dragan Primorac supported by the ruling party, the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ).

Approximately 3.7 million eligible voters participated in the election, resulting in a voter turnout of 46%.

In Croatia, presidents serve for a term of 5 years and can be elected for a maximum of two terms. The second round of the election is scheduled for January 12, 2025.