Croatian Presidential Election Set for Runoff After Unclear Majority

Croatia’s presidential election will go to a runoff on January 12, as no candidate achieved a majority. Incumbent Zoran Milanovic led with 49.10% of the votes, while Dragan Primorac followed with 19.35%.

Croatia’s presidential election will move to a runoff on January 12, as no candidate received the requisite majority of votes in the election held on Sunday, according to the Croatian State Election Commission (SEC). Incumbent President Zoran Milanovic, supported by the opposition Social Democratic Party, led with 49.10 percent of the votes after 99.88 percent had been counted. His primary opponent, Dragan Primorac of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union, secured 19.35 percent. Pursuant to Croatian election law, a runoff occurs if no candidate achieves a clear majority, necessitating the top two candidates to compete again two weeks later.

During his speech to supporters, President Milanovic expressed gratitude for their support and conveyed confidence in his potential victory in the upcoming runoff. He remarked, “I believe that in two weeks we will celebrate the victory.” Conversely, Primorac characterized the upcoming runoff as a significant opportunity. He stated, “Now a great opportunity is coming. Milanovic and I will be one on one, so we will see who knows what and represents what. Croatia needs changes, and in two weeks it will be a historic day.” The Croatian presidency carries a five-year term, with the possibility for re-election for an additional term.

The Croatian presidential election operates under a system whereby a candidate must secure more than 50 percent of the votes to win outright in the first round. If this threshold is not met, the two candidates with the highest vote counts proceed to a runoff election. This election cycle pits the incumbent, President Zoran Milanovic, against challenger Dragan Primorac, representing a significant moment in Croatia’s political landscape as both candidates represent contrasting political parties and ideologies.

In summary, the Croatian presidential election has advanced to a runoff scheduled for January 12, following an inconclusive first round. Incumbent President Zoran Milanovic, leading with 49.10 percent, will face challenger Dragan Primorac, who garnered 19.35 percent. Both candidates have expressed their strategies and outlooks for the upcoming election, promising a critical battle for the future leadership of Croatia.

Original Source: www.chinadaily.com.cn